Bi Pc 88. Disposing of waste over a wall
Pāli / Sanskrit:Tirokuṭṭuccārachaḍḍana
A nun who disposes of feces, urine, or rubbish over a wall must confess the offense.
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Commentary on Bhikkhunī Pācittiya 8: Disposing of Waste over a Wall
Background
This text belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha — the particular code of discipline governing the conduct of nuns (bhikkhunīs). In early Buddhist history, the Buddha established detailed rules of conduct to maintain hygiene, uphold discipline, and nurture the spiritual life of the Sangha. The regulations concerning the disposal of waste are not merely concerned with material matters; they also reflect a spiritual attitude toward the shared living environment and respect for those dwelling nearby.
This text arose from a specific historical incident within the Sangha community, when a bhikkhunī disposed of waste — excrement, urine, or refuse — over the wall of the monastery. This action contaminated the area outside, caused unsanitary conditions, and created disturbance for others. The Buddha, recognizing this problem, established a rule (sādhikāra, a type of Pātimokkha rule) as guidance.
Main Content
According to the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha, the act of throwing excrement, urine, or refuse over the wall of a monastery (tirokuṭṭuccārachaḍḍana) is considered a Pācittiya offense — that is, an offense less grave than a Saṅghādisesa, yet one that still requires confession. A bhikkhunī who commits this offense must publicly confess before the Sangha community, or before another bhikkhunī in certain circumstances.
The rule is clear: no waste of any kind may be disposed of over a wall, including the boundary walls of the monastic area. Such conduct is regarded as careless and disrespectful toward the common grounds and toward those living outside. The deeper reason is to cultivate the spirit of samādhi (concentration), heedfulness (appamāda), and loving-kindness (mettā) toward all living beings.
This Pācittiya offense is distinct from more serious offenses such as Pārājika, the category of offense that leads to expulsion from the Sangha community.
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