Lzh Dg Bu Pm Sk 68Not Take Corpse by Stupa
Pāli / Sanskrit:Not take corpse by stupa
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Explanation of the Discourse “Not Taking a Corpse by a Stupa”
Background
This discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, where the rules of training and the management of the Sangha community are recorded. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not a set of arbitrary commands, but rules arising from specific situations, issued by the Buddha to protect purity, respect, and harmony in the Sangha.
The discourse speaks about matters concerning the handling of the bodies of the deceased and sacred places of worship. A stupa is an important religious structure in Buddhism, a place where the ashes or sacred objects of the Buddha and arahants are enshrined. Protecting the dignity of a stupa reflects deep reverence for the Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.
Main Content
This discourse establishes an important disciplinary principle: bhikkhus are not to move or take the body of a deceased person to place or leave it beside a stupa. This may have arisen from a specific situation in which someone wished to use a place near a stupa as a burial site, or moved a body in an inappropriate way.
The rule reflects remarkable respect for three factors: first, the sacredness and integrity of the stupa; second, reverence for the deceased; and third, appropriate hygienic and social principles. Bhikkhus, who should lead in humane and religious conduct, must observe this in order to avoid harming the reputation of the Sangha community.
Violation of this rule is regarded as a fault, requiring confession and correction of the action. This shows that the Vinaya Piṭaka is not only intended to punish offenses, but is also a means of education, helping bhikkhus recognize the importance of respect and discipline.
Practical Meaning
In the context of practice today, this discourse teaches us the importance of respecting sacred places and social principles.
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