Lzh Mu Bu Pm Ss 1Masturbation
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sukkavisaṭṭhi
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The Sukkavisaṭṭhi Sutta: An Explanation on Self-Abasement
Background
The Sukkavisaṭṭhi Sutta (Pali: sukka = semen; visaṭṭhi = emission, discharge) is a rule in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravada Buddhist tradition. This rule is recorded in the legal codes (Pātimokkha) of the Buddhist Sangha communities, in order to protect the purity and virtue of the Buddha and the bhikkhus.
In historical context, in the time of the Buddha Śākyamuni, bhikkhus vowed to preserve purity of body, speech, and mind after going forth. The Vinaya was built up gradually when the Buddha observed actions that violated virtue, so as to instruct his disciples on the true path of liberation from sensual lust (kāma-rāga).
Main Content
The Sukkavisaṭṭhi Sutta warns against the act of self-abasement (masturbation) among bhikkhus. This act is regarded as a direct sensual defilement (kāma-saṁyojana), that is, attachment to sexual desire. The Buddha did not regard this merely as an ordinary fault, but as a basic violation of virtue (Pācittiya or an offense requiring confession).
The fundamental reason is this: one goes forth in order to leave behind the world of sensual desire, to enter directly upon the path of cultivating concentration, wisdom, and liberation (samādhi, paññā, vimutti). Any action connected with sensual desire, even private gratification, obstructs the development of meditation and weakens the Sangha-Dharma. Moreover, this act contradicts the four Brahmavihāras that Buddhism encourages, especially the undefiled mind (asaṅkiliṭṭha).
The sutta also suggests that such acts arise from heedlessness (pamāda), from unmanaged latent thoughts (anusaya, the subtle tendencies of the mind). Therefore, the Buddha advises bhikkhus to train the indriyas (the faculties), and to cultivate sati-sampajañña (mindfulness and clear comprehension) continuously in order to avoid these subconscious tendencies.
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