Lzh Mu Bi Vb Sk 72Washing Water With Rice

Exposition of the Sasitthaka Sutra (Washing Water with Rice)

Background

The Sasitthaka Sutra is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition of the Buddha-Dharma, specifically in the Mahāvibhaṅga, the section giving detailed explanation of the precepts of the Buddhist Sangha. This sutra arose from a specific event in the daily life of monks in the time of Śākyamuni Buddha.

At that time, monks did not yet have clear regulations on how to use water for washing hands, bowls, and daily implements. Some monks were careless in handling washing water containing rice or food, causing disputes and concerns about unnecessary exposure or waste. Because of this incident, the Buddha established a specific precept to guide monks in handling ordinary washing water so as to avoid problems of communal discipline and to respect resources.

Main Content

The Sasitthaka Sutra stipulates that washing water containing grains of rice or food should not be poured out in places where it may cause pollution or trouble for the community. Specifically, monks must pour this water in designated places, usually barren areas, uninhabited places, or areas already prepared for that purpose.

This precept is not merely a matter of hygiene, but also reflects respect for the common property of the Sangha and the surrounding community. Washing water with rice (Sasitthaka) is regarded as part of the community's resources, and the way it is handled expresses the degree of awareness and mental discipline of each monk.

In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, this sutra is one among many minor rules (chuladukkhata) intended to cultivate virtue, build character, and maintain harmony in the community of practice. It also expresses the principle of preserving the living environment and using resources consciously, which accords with the Buddhist teaching on concern for the world.