Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Pc 175Intentionally Produce Semen Except in a Dream
Pāli / Sanskrit:Intentionally produce semen except in a dream
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
Scripture Commentary: Intentionally Emitting Semen Outside a Dream
Background
This rule is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha (Pātimokkhasutta), the fundamental code for bhikkhus. In the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, the rules of discipline (sīla) were established one by one when specific violations occurred. This rule arose from an incident in which a bhikkhu intentionally satisfied sexual desire himself, causing disturbance within the Sangha community and going against the spirit of brahmacariya, that is, the eradication of sensual craving.
In the historical context, the Buddha always encouraged renunciants to guard their senses and minds so that they might progress on the path of practice. The act of self-gratification was regarded as a most serious violation of brahmacariya, leading to loss of standing and expulsion from the monastic community (saṃghavāsa, or even parivāsa).
Main Content
The rule states that any bhikkhu who intentionally emits semen (hadaya-sampadā) for the purpose of satisfying lust commits a Pārājika, that is, an offense equivalent to the complete loss of the brahmacariya state. The only exemption is what occurs unintentionally in a dream (supinaṃ), because the person has no intention and no control over consciousness.
The central distinction is the matter of “volition” (cetanā). The Buddhist teaching regards volition as the cause of karma. If there is no deliberate intention (sacittaka), the act does not create a profound moral causal result. A dream is a state in which analytical consciousness (paññā) does not function fully; therefore moral responsibility does not apply.
By contrast, sexual gratification while awake and with full awareness, whether through action, speech, or purposeful thought, is entirely prohibited. This is the third Pārājika in the Bhikkhu Vinaya.
Practical Meaning
This rule is not merely a prohibition against a physical act, but a profound training of the mind.
🌏 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.