Lzh Dg Bu Pm 2 Ss 1Masturbation
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sukkavisaṭṭhi
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Sukkavisaṭṭhi Sutta (The Scripture on Masturbation)
Background
Sukkavisaṭṭhi, literally “emission of semen,” is part of the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda tradition, specifically belonging to the Pātimokkha section, the fundamental rules of discipline. This scripture was recorded in the context of the Buddha’s establishment of the monastic community (bhikkhusaṅgha) and the need to define clearly the actions contrary to the renunciant vow.
According to the Pāli Canon tradition, the scripture was transmitted through specific stories in which the Buddha discovered misconduct among disciples and then established the corresponding rule. Sukkavisaṭṭhi is connected with offenses concerning sexuality, serious violations of the monastic path when intentionally committed.
Main Content
In the Vinaya Piṭaka, this matter is handled under a very strict principle. Masturbation is regarded as a violation of rules connected with sexuality and is incompatible with the vow of celibacy (brahmacaryavrata) undertaken by monastics. Specifically, it infringes upon the discipline of restraint (indriyasaṃvara), the control of the sense faculties.
The scripture teaches that the paths leading to masturbation arise from three unwholesome roots: greed (lobha), hatred (dosa), and delusion (moha). When the mind is governed by these mental defilements, a person falls into actions that directly affect the body, disturbing concentration (samādhi) and the whole of practice.
The Vinaya Piṭaka also makes clear that this matter concerns not only the physical act, but also intention. If a monastic intentionally causes the emission of semen by any means, this is regarded as a serious violation. However, if this occurs in sleep or without deliberate intention, it is not considered a violation of discipline.
This rule is not merely a formal penalty, but exists to protect the monastic’s mind from entanglement in sensual desire (kāmacchanda), one of the five hindrances (nīvaraṇa) that obstruct meditative stillness (jhāna) and practical wisdom.
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