Lzh Mi Bu Vb Ss 1Masturbation
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sukkavisaṭṭhi
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Exposition of the Sukkavisaṭṭhi Sutta (Masturbation)
Background
Sukkavisaṭṭhi (Pāli: sukka = fluid, visaṭṭhi = emission) is a regulation of the Vinaya in the Theravāda tradition. This sutta is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Miscellaneous Rules section, addressing the conduct of self-indulgence in sexual desire among bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs in training.
The background for the arising of this rule is connected with a specific story in the history of the early Sangha. When the Buddha became aware of conduct that violated the spirit of practice among his disciples, he established rules (sīla) to protect meditative practice and the cultivation of the path. Sukkavisaṭṭhi is not an isolated regulation, but part of the overall legal framework regulating the life of the fourfold monastic community.
Main Content
According to the Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka, self-indulgence in sexual desire is considered a serious ethical violation. Specifically, if a bhikkhu intentionally emits fluid through an act of self-gratification, this is regarded as a violation of one of the Pārājika or Saṅghādisesa rules, depending on the particular school, or at least a violation of the Pācittiya rules, lighter offenses requiring confession.
The reason behind this rule lies deep in the foundations of Buddhist discipline. First, this action is considered an expression of craving (lobha) and delusion bound up with sensual desire (moha), two of the three poisons: greed, hatred, and delusion. Second, it runs counter to the spirit of the holy life that bhikkhus vow to observe. Third, the conduct distracts the mind from meditation (jhāna) and creates further obstacles on the path of practice.
Sukkavisaṭṭhi is regarded as a violation in the category of an "unprompted action" (asaṅkhārika), but if there is deliberate intention (cetanā), the nature of the violation becomes more serious. This reflects a basic principle of Buddhism: actions are classified according to the mind of the person who performs them.
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