Lzh Mu Bi Vb Pc 79Disposing 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.
Discourse on Disposing Feces on Green Plants
Background
This clause is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha, the basic code that bhikkhus must observe. The Harituccārachaḍḍana Sutta concerns a violation of discipline related to the act of disposing of feces, or dirty water, onto green plants or living vegetation.
In the context of the Saṅgha community during the time of the Blessed Buddha, bhikkhus had to observe detailed rules of conduct in order to protect cleanliness, propriety, and respect for life. These rules are not only hygienic but also reflect the principle of ahiṁsā, non-harming toward living beings. The Vinaya Piṭaka was compiled after actual incidents occurred in the bhikkhu community, and the Blessed Buddha then promulgated regulations to prevent inappropriate actions.
Main Content
According to this clause in the Pātimokkha, if a bhikkhu intentionally disposes of feces or dirty water from his body onto green plants, grasses, or living things, except in permitted cases, this is regarded as a Pācittiya, an offense requiring confession. Pācittiya offenses are lighter than Saṅghādisesa but still require the offender to openly acknowledge the fault before the Saṅgha or another bhikkhu.
The reason behind this rule is respect for life and protection of the living environment. Green plants are regarded as living beings (jīvita), and intentionally soiling or harming them is seen as violating the principle of non-harming (ahiṁsā) taught by the Buddha. This clause educates not only in basic hygiene but also in ethical sensitivity: a bhikkhu must always be careful with his actions, even those that seem small, because they reflect the state of mind.
Practical Meaning
In the context of modern practice, this discourse reminds us of the importance of carefulness (appamāda) in every daily action.
🌏 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.