Mpt Sk 103In Water
Pāli / Sanskrit:Udakeuccāra
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Explanation of the Udakeuccāra Discourse (The Discourse in Water)
Background
The Udakeuccāra Discourse is a disciplinary text in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, belonging to the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. Found among the detailed regulations on the conduct and bearing of monks and nuns (bhikkhu and bhikkhunī), this discourse addresses a special matter related to speaking or making utterances in water.
The context of the discourse is directly related to rules concerning unsuitable speech, actions that may cause loss of trust and damage reverence for the Sangha. In the Buddha’s time, there were situations in which monks and nuns uttered inappropriate words in water, perhaps to make noise, create amusement, or unintentionally act without solemnity. This was regarded as inappropriate to the pure conduct of practice.
Main Content
The Udakeuccāra Discourse states that monks and nuns should not speak words or make declarations in water, whether for play, as a challenge, or for any other reason. This is not an absolute prohibition but a guideline for maintaining dignity and discipline in the Sangha.
The basic reason for this regulation is to protect the pure image of Buddhism before the public. When monks and nuns are near water, whether at a river, stream, or reservoir, they represent the Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Any disrespectful or undignified action can reduce the faith of followers and bring embarrassment to the monastic community.
The discourse emphasizes that rules like this are not irrational restrictions, but practical means for training concentration (samādhi) and guarding speech. In Theravāda Buddhism, the Vinaya Pitaka is not merely a set of administrative rules but also a set of training tools directly connected with developing moral discipline (sīla) as a foundation for wisdom (paññā).
Practical Meaning
For modern practitioners, the Udakeuccāra Discourse opens a profound lesson on self-restraint in speech and action.
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