Lzh Mi Bu Vb Sk 76Washing Water With Rice
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sasitthaka
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Sasitthaka Sutta (Washing Water Containing Rice)
Context
The Sasitthaka Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda tradition, within the detailed regulations concerning the daily life of Buddhist monks and nuns. The context of this text concerns rules on the use of water and hygiene in the monastic community, reflecting the Buddha’s concern for discipline, cleanliness, and the proper management of common property.
Washing water containing rice (sasitthaka udaka) is a practical matter arising in the communal life of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. When eating utensils are washed or food is handled, the water often contains grains of rice or food residue. The question arises as to what purposes this kind of water may be used for within the community, especially for watering plants, washing communal dwellings, or other tasks.
Main Content
In this text, the Buddha gave specific guidance on how to handle and use washing water that contains rice. According to the Theravāda Vinaya, the Buddha permitted the use of this washing water under certain conditions. Water containing rice may be used to water plants or for cleaning communal dwellings, because it still has practical value and should not be wasted.
However, this regulation is not without limits. The teaching especially emphasizes that the use of this washing water must accord with the principle of good stewardship (sallekha), that is, frugality, uprightness, and non-wastefulness with communal property. Bhikkhus are not permitted to use this water carelessly or without order, but must have the consent of the community or the person in charge.
This expresses a profound principle in the Vinaya: every action, even something as small as handling leftover water, is connected with the character and practice of the practitioner. Nothing is too small to be considered in the light of ethics and discipline.
Practical Meaning
The Sasitthaka Sutta teaches us the importance of avoiding waste and managing common property with a compassionate mind. In the modern context, this meaning is exceedingly urgent.
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