Bu Sk 7474. Defecating on cultivated plants

Hariteuccāra: The Matter of Defecating on Green Plants

Background

The Hariteuccāra belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, the code of monastic discipline for bhikkhus. This text records an incident involving the lay follower Kimbila, who had accumulated merit through building and supporting the monastic community. Taking into account varying conditions in different regions and the living circumstances of Buddhist practitioners, the Blessed One established specific rules regarding personal sanitation, so as to respect the property and labor of others.

This background reflects the Dhamma's attention to every detail of daily life. Not all disputes concern lofty spiritual matters—many rules of the Vinaya address practical, fundamental situations, aimed at minimizing conflict and maintaining harmony within the community of bhikkhus.

Main Content

The text records that certain bhikkhus, acting carelessly, defecated upon green plants (harita, fresh vegetables) that the lay follower Kimbila had cultivated as an offering to the monastic community. This action not only damaged and destroyed Kimbila's material property, but was also an act of disrespect toward the effort and devotion of the donor.

Upon receiving the report, the Blessed One consulted with the senior bhikkhus and established a rule: bhikkhus are not to defecate on cultivated plants or in areas where plants are growing. If one needs to relieve oneself, one must go well away from the cultivated area, or make use of designated places. This is a pācittiya offense—an offense requiring confession before the community, lesser in gravity than a pārājika offense, yet still requiring expiation.

This rule not only protects property but also encourages bhikkhus to reflect on the impact of their actions upon others, especially those who are kind and faithful.

Practical Significance

The Hariteuccāra teaches us a profound lesson about the relationship between personal discipline and social ethics.