Xct Mu Bi Sk 83Na nadyāḥ pratisrotaḥ pātrodakaṁ grahīṣyāma

Vinaya Pitaka Explanation: Na Nadyāḥ Pratisrotaḥ Pātrodakaṁ Grahīṣyāma

Context

The Vinaya Piṭaka is the scripture that maintains the discipline of the Sangha, compiled to guide monks and nuns in living harmoniously and preserving the spirit of practice. This discourse belongs to the Vinaya Pitaka of the Theravāda tradition, where the Buddha established rules to protect the welfare of the Sangha community and the practice of the Dharma.

The section recorded under the title “Na nadyāḥ pratisrotaḥ pātrodakaṁ grahīṣyāma” (one should not collect water from upstream river currents in the bowl) arises from practical events in the life of the Sangha. When monastics traveled to teach the path, they often had to use water from natural sources to maintain health and perform cleansing rituals. However, the Buddha recognized that not every source of water was suitable, especially water from opposing river currents, which could contain microorganisms or harmful impurities.

This discourse expresses the Buddha’s deep concern for the health and safety of monastics, while also expressing the principle of carefulness in the Vinaya Pitaka.

Main Content

The core content of this discourse concerns the rule on using water for drinking and washing in order to protect health. The phrase “Na nadyāḥ pratisrotaḥ” refers to rivers flowing against the current or places where water does not flow freely, where water may be polluted or become unclean. “Pātrodakaṁ grahīṣyāma” means that we should not collect this kind of water in the bowl for drinking or use.

This rule reflects an important principle in the Vinaya: monastics must preserve bodily health in order to continue practicing. Unlike innocent extremism in other ascetic movements, Theravāda Buddhism emphasizes the “middle way,” avoiding both indulgence and self-mortification.