Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Pc 79Disposing Feces on Plants

Harituccārachaḍḍana Sutta (Urine on Green Plants)

Background

The Harituccārachaḍḍana Sutta belongs to the Pātimokkha Saṅghadesanā, the regulations of the Sangha, a core part of the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda Buddha-Dharma. This is a rule in the Pācittiya category, violations requiring confession and apology. The sutta was established when the Buddha witnessed unclean conduct among bhikkhus in the monastic community.

The historical background records that bhikkhus practicing outdoors or near gardens urinated in improper places, soiling green plants used for food or valued by the community. This act not only caused a loss of hygiene, but also led to criticism from outsiders and affected the reputation of the religious community. Therefore the Buddha established this rule to protect both physical and ethical purity in the community.

Main Content

This rule stipulates that if a bhikkhu, intentionally or unintentionally, urinates on green plants (harita, plants with green leaves, often vegetables, fruit plants, or other useful plants), he must acknowledge the fault and apologize. This act is regarded as a Pācittiya offense because it violates the principle of respect for common property and the cleanliness of the shared dwelling place.

An important distinction is that this rule does not distinguish between intended and unintended acts; whether accidental or deliberate, the bhikkhu must confess. However, the seriousness in terms of karmavipāka, the result of action, differs according to the mental state at the time. The sutta specifies that once the act has occurred, independently of intention, the violation is established. The bhikkhu must perform the rite of confession, Nissaggiya or Pācittiya, before the assembly, or at least confess to another bhikkhu.

This rule especially emphasizes that green plants are not merely material property, but also symbols of life and of the process that nourishes the community.