Lzh Dg Bu Pm Sk 60Not Sleep in Stupa
Pāli / Sanskrit:Not sleep in stupa
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Explanation of the Discourse on Not Sleeping in a Stupa
Background
This discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, with the purpose of regulating the conduct and daily life of bhikkhus. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not merely a set of formal rules, but a set of kindly guidelines that help monastics practice according to the Dharma and preserve diligence on the Buddhist path.
A stupa (cetiya) in Theravāda Buddhism is a place where the Buddha’s relics or those of noble members of the Sangha are enshrined, a treasury of the teaching and a place of practice for Buddhists. When the Buddha and the disciples recognized that sleeping in these important religious structures was not in keeping with the spirit of reverence and cleanliness, this rule was formed. The rule reflects deep respect for the sacred treasury of the Dharma and the preservation of a pure space for practice.
Main Content
The discourse states that bhikkhus are not to sleep in a stupa or similar religious structure. This is the Buddha’s teaching intended to maintain discipline in practice and ensure that places where relics are enshrined are kept with reverence.
The basic reason for this rule lies in several aspects. First, the stupa is a place where the sacred power of noble beings is concentrated, and sleeping there can diminish its solemnity. Second, sleep is regarded as a state in which consciousness is clouded (moha), contrary to clear awareness (sampajaññā), toward which Buddhism is directed. Third, preserving the space of the stupa as clean and set apart for noble activities of practice is the duty of every bhikkhu.
If any bhikkhu violates this rule, he commits a pācittiya offense, an offense requiring confession. This is not the gravest offense, but it is sufficient for the bhikkhu to recognize carelessness in his action and to confess, practicing remorse and acknowledgement before the Sangha.
Practical Meaning
This rule is not unreasonable strictness, but an expression of the Buddha’s compassion.
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