Lzh Dg Bu Pm 2 Sk 84Not Stretch Feet Towards Stupa

Commentary on the Scripture “Not Stretching One’s Feet Toward a Stupa”

Background

This scripture belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Pāli Canon of the Theravāda tradition, where the rules of training for the whole Sangha community are recorded. In the course of communal activity and daily life, the Buddha declared rules intended to protect purity of mind and respect for sacred places.

The stupa is a symbol of reverence for the Buddha’s Dharma, a resting place of relics or an image of awakening. In countless scriptures, the stupa is considered an object that gives rise to great merit and should be honored. This rule arose from some event in the Sangha community, when disciples, whether unintentionally or intentionally, displayed a disrespectful attitude.

Main Content

The specific content of this scripture has not yet been fully translated from the original Vinaya. However, according to the general context of Vinaya rules, this scripture aims to prohibit monastics from stretching their feet directly toward a stupa or other sacred objects. Such an act is regarded as discourteous and as an expression of a mind lacking respect.

The Buddha’s Dharma emphasizes that the body should be governed with dignity. Stretching the feet is a natural action, but when done in a context of worship or near sacred places, it becomes a sign of irreverence and a scattered mind. This rule does not arise from fear or superstition, but from a deeper foundation: training the mind through restraint of bodily action.

In the Vinaya Piṭaka, rules such as this are called Pāṭimokkha, matters to be avoided. They help monastics develop samādhi, collectedness of mind, and cultivate a respectful nature toward the Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.

Practical Meaning

Outwardly, this is a rule concerning gesture; more deeply, it is a lesson in self-restraint and attentive presence.