Lzh Dg Bu Pm 2 Sk 81Not Spit at Base of Stupa

The Scripture “Not Spitting at the Base of a Stupa”

Background

This scripture belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Pāli Canon, an essential part of the Theravāda Dharma. The Vinaya Piṭaka records rules of life, from precepts such as the Five Precepts and Eight Precepts to detailed conduct that bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs should observe in daily life. These rules are not religious taboos, but guidelines that help monastics cultivate compassion, respect, and concentration in practice.

The scripture “Not Spitting at the Base of a Stupa” arises from the setting in which bhikkhus lived. Stupas or chedis are venerable structures built to preserve relics of the Buddha and noble beings, and they are sacred centers of the Buddhist community. The disrespectful act of spitting at the base of a stupa violates not only restraint of conduct, but is also an expression of a mind lacking respect and carefulness in each step and each action.

Main Content

The Vinaya Piṭaka prescribes that a bhikkhu must not spit at the base of a stupa or in sacred places. This rule reflects a basic principle: the stupa is a place connected with those who practiced and attained liberation before us; it is a memorial and a place for honoring the Three Jewels. Spitting is an expression of negligence, lack of collectedness, and irreverence.

In the context of practice, every action of a bhikkhu, from the way one walks to the way one looks at the hands and feet, needs to be fully governed. This rule does not stand alone, but is part of the comprehensive training system (Vinaya) that helps monks develop “aniruddha-indriya,” well-controlled faculties. When the mind is not trained even in the smallest actions, it is easily swept away by the great floods of greed, hatred, and delusion.

This rule also reflects respect for the community. Disrespectful actions displease the faithful, weaken confidence in the Dharma, and undermine trust in monastics.