Lzh Mg Bi Pm Pc 139Disposing Feces on Plants
Pāli / Sanskrit:Harituccārachaḍḍana
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
Sutta on Discarding Waste upon Green Plants (Harituccārachaḍḍana)
Context
This rule is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically in the Pātimokkha (the fundamental code of precepts) for monastics. It reflects the living circumstances of the Saṅgha during the time of the Buddha, in encampments, forests, and communal places of practice. The matter was addressed by the Buddha because certain bhikkhus had been discarding waste (feces and urine) upon green plants that were held in esteem by supporters of the monastic community, or in places likely to cause harm to the shared living environment of the community.
This rule arises from a fundamental principle of Buddhism: not causing harm to other living beings, and maintaining respect within the community of practice. It also reflects the Buddha's concern for hygiene, order, and the harmonious relationship between the Saṅgha, its supporters, and the surrounding environment.
Main Content
This rule stipulates that bhikkhus are not to discard waste—both feces and urine—upon green plants. It is one of the ordinary offenses (Pācittiya) enumerated in the Pātimokkha, with the purpose of maintaining discipline and the civility of communal life.
According to the traditional commentarial interpretation of the Vinaya Piṭaka, this act of transgression is regarded as a lack of respect toward green plants—living beings that may harbor the life of various microorganisms. Moreover, it causes aesthetic and sanitary harm to the living environment of the monastic community, and may give rise to displeasure among supporters who witness venerated and cherished places being defiled.
The rule emphasizes that bhikkhus must know to seek out appropriate places, designated areas, or suitable sanitary facilities for the disposal of waste. This is not merely a matter of individual discipline, but also a collective responsibility to uphold the cleanliness, respectfulness, and refinement of the place of practice.
Practical Significance
In the context of contemporary practice, this rule extends well beyond regulations concerning physical hygiene.
🌏 The Buddhist canon is vast — some sūtras (such as comparative Vinaya across schools, or untranslated Tibetan-canon texts) have to this day NEVER been translated into Vietnamese or English by anyone, scholars included. Rather than leave it blank, Inti AI offers a FAITHFUL summary grounded in the tradition — from the sūtra's title, origin and essence — so you can still reach this rare part of the treasury. Whenever an original translation exists, the app shows the original first.
Translations belong to the translator/source credited above. The bilingual compilation, presentation, and AI translations compiled by Inti are © Inti Foundation. Please attribute when quoting; do not bulk-copy or use commercially without permission.