Lzh Mu Bu Pm Sk 88Washing Water With Rice
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sasitthaka
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An Explanation of the Sasitthaka Sutta (Rice-Washing Water)
Background
The Sasitthaka Sutta is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically among the rules governing the life of monks and nuns. This is part of the Pātimokkha, the basic code of discipline of the Sangha, ordained by Buddha Gotama to guide his disciples in pure, concentrated, and liberating practice.
The background of this discourse concerns rules on the use of water and food in monastic life. According to the Theravāda tradition, observing these rules is not only for physical cleanliness, but also to train the mind, creating conditions for awareness and non-craving to develop. The Sasitthaka Sutta refers to a specific situation involving water used to wash rice, an everyday task in ancient rural India.
Main Content
Rice-washing water (sasitthaka-jala) is considered a liquid with a special character in the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka. According to the rule, this water may be used for certain needs in the monastery, but must follow specific principles of cleanliness and non-waste.
The discourse teaches that rice-washing water, although a byproduct, must still not be wasted or used unconsciously. This reflects a basic principle of the Buddha-Dharma: respect for everything, whether small or ordinary. When a monk uses rice-washing water, he needs clear and mindful attention, not allowing the mind to drift or become careless.
The rules concerning sasitthaka are also related to discipline in using the common requisites of the monastery. The purpose is not restriction, but education of the mind toward humility and vigilance in the use of communal property. This is the nature of sīla, discipline: not because of fear or compulsion, but because of understanding clearly that every action creates consequences for mind and wisdom.
Practical Meaning
The Sasitthaka Sutta teaches us a profound lesson about the intention of action (cetanā).
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