Lzh Mi Bi Vb Pc 202Lying on Back and Directing Water Downwards

Discourse on Lying on the Back and Directing Water Downward

Background

This discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically the Pātimokkha, the basic ethical code for bhikkhus. The regulations in the Vinaya Piṭaka were established by the Buddha Śākyamuni to maintain the discipline of the Sangha community and to protect monastics from actions harmful to the purity of body, speech, and mind.

The background of this discourse reflects the living conditions of monks in ancient India during the Buddha’s lifetime, when some monks acted carelessly in daily activities. Specifically, the Buddha observed certain monks lying on their backs and directing water downward, an act that could harm living beings in the water and violate the principle of not harming sentient beings (ahiṃsā).

Main Content

This discourse sets forth a specific Pācittiya, a light offense requiring confession. The content of the regulation is that a monk should not lie on his back on the ground and intentionally direct water from the body downward.

The principle behind this regulation lies in four basic ethical principles (sīla):

First, protecting the life of sentient beings (pāṇātipātā veramaṇī). When water is discharged forcefully downward, it is very likely to kill or harm microorganisms living in the water or in the ground.

Second, maintaining the dignity and decorum of a monk. Lying on the back and releasing water are actions lacking solemnity, unsuitable to the image of one who has gone forth.

Third, monks must live with awareness of their impact on the surrounding environment. This is an expression of sammā-vācā (right speech) extended into action (kamma).

The penalty for this offense is not expulsion from the Sangha, but requires the monk to confess to another monk and perform repentance, thereby restoring the purity of the Sangha body.