Lzh Dg Bu Pm Sk 71Not Burn Corpse Towards Stupa

DISCOURSE ON NOT BURNING A CORPSE TOWARD A STUPA

Background

This discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, the section of rules governing the life of the monastic community. The originating context of the discourse concerns rules on handling a body (saririka) after a Buddhist or monastic has died. This is a matter of great importance in Buddhism, because the way the body is honored and handled deeply reflects the faith and attitude of practice of the believing community.

In the time of Śākyamuni Buddha, when a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī entered nirvana, that is, passed away, the Sangha community had to decide how to handle the body respectfully and in accordance with the spirit of the Buddha-Dharma. Precedents for this are recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, to ensure that all actions accord with the principles of loving-kindness (mettā) and reverence.

Main Content

This discourse forbids cremating the bodies of monastics or Buddhists of special connection directly facing a stupa (chedi, stūpa), a place where relics of the Buddha or noble beings are enshrined. This act is regarded as disrespectful and may harm the sacredness of the stupa.

The reason for the prohibition may be understood from several perspectives. First, the stupa is among the highest objects of veneration in Buddhism, a place preserving the priceless remains of the Buddha or highly accomplished ancestors in the practice. Letting the fire of cremation stand near or face toward the stupa may defile this sacred space. Second, from a practical perspective, safety and reverence also require that a safe distance be maintained. Third, this also reflects the Buddhist principle of distinguishing between compassionate concern and respect for places regarded as sacred.

This rule was included in the Vinaya Piṭaka as a specific provision of guidance (nissaya), meaning a concrete instruction helping the community of monks and nuns follow the practice consistently and consciously.