Lzh Sarv Bu Pm 2 Sk 104On Plants
Pāli / Sanskrit:Hariteuccāra
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Scripture on Plants (Hariteuccāra)
Context
The scripture "On Plants" (Hariteuccāra) is part of the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Early Buddhist tradition. The Vinaya Piṭaka records the rules of practice established by Buddha Śākyamuni for the Sangha in order to maintain discipline and ethics within the renunciant community. This scripture specifically concerns regulations on how plants, grasses, and natural materials are to be handled in the daily life of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs.
In the context of ancient India, the management of common property of the Sangha, including the tending of gardens, kitchens, and shared areas, was an important practical matter. Faults in handling plants, whether cutting, uprooting, burning, or using them, could lead to actions that harm life or waste resources, thereby violating the spirit of the five precepts and the habits of practice.
Main Content
The Hariteuccāra scripture gives detailed regulations on proper conduct toward plants and grasses. According to their nature and use, different actions toward plants create different degrees of violation in the Vinaya. The Buddha taught that bhikkhus should not casually cut, uproot, or destroy plants and grasses without a legitimate reason.
Specifically, the scripture distinguishes between types of plants: those with latent life, such as seeds and living plants, and those without remaining vitality, such as dry wood and straw. When cutting grass for cooking rice, clearing land for a place of practice, or using plants for medicinal purposes, bhikkhus must follow specific guidance to avoid causing unintended harm.
The Vinaya also emphasizes that using the labor of others to cut or uproot plants, especially causing them to violate ethical conduct, is also improper. Therefore, bhikkhus are encouraged either to do such work themselves or to ask those who are not committed to the monastic training rules.
Practical Meaning
The scripture "On Plants" teaches us a profound lesson on the balance between practical need and compassion.
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