Lzh Mi Bi Pm Sk 76Washing Water With Rice
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sasitthaka
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The Discourse on Washing Water with Rice (Sasitthaka)
Background
The Sasitthaka discourse (washing water with rice) is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddha-Dharma tradition. This is an important disciplinary regulation concerning the use of resources in the monastic community. In the historical context of ancient India, water used for washing utensils was considered to have a certain value, especially washing water containing rice grains (sasitthaka).
According to the Vinaya tradition, these rules were established by the Buddha to regulate the daily life of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs, directing them toward frugality, non-waste of the Sangha’s property, and the cultivation of kindness and wise management. Each regulation in the Vinaya Piṭaka arose from specific situations that occurred, which the Buddha resolved and turned into enduring instruction.
Main Content
The Sasitthaka discourse deals with the use of washing water containing rice within the Sangha community. Although this water is a by-product after cooking, from the point of view of the Vinaya Piṭaka it is still part of common property and should not be wasted or used carelessly.
The specific rule in this discourse emphasizes that washing water with rice belongs to the Sangha, not to an individual bhikkhu or bhikkhunī. Therefore, its use, sale, or gift must follow principles of action not for personal benefit, but for the common benefit of the community of practice.
The discourse is also related to disputes over ownership and public use. Some bhikkhus might want to use rice-washing water to sell for money or to pass it on to others; this is considered a violation of the spirit of the Vinaya Piṭaka. The Buddha establishes a clear rule: washing water containing rice must be used in a way permitted by the Sangha, usually to rinse other utensils or to exchange for necessities for the community.
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