The Concept of “Water” According to Buddhist Philosophy

Abstract

This academic article aims to study the concept of “water” according to Buddhist philosophy. From the study, it was found that water is a very important factor for the survival of living beings. Water makes natural resources survive. Water is the source of all types of living things. In Buddhist philosophy, water resources, water sources, and streams are promoted. That is, the Lord Buddha prescribed a rule prohibiting monks from excreting waste into rivers and streams. In the Sekhiyawat, the Lord Buddha instructed monks to always be aware not to excrete waste, such as feces, urine, and spitting into rivers and canals. That is, to reduce the amount of waste in rivers and canals, to make them clean and suitable for consumption and consumption, in order to conserve nature and the environment. Rivers and canals are resources that are important to the lives of all humans and animals. Buddhist philosophy focuses on understanding the role and meaning of water in religious and cultural contexts. Water is used as a symbol of purity, cleansing, and impermanence (anicca), reflecting important principles in Buddhism, likening a calm mind to still water and the purification of the mind. In addition, water plays an important role in religious ceremonies and royal ceremonies, such as the water pouring ceremony, bathing the Buddha’s relics, and the coronation water. which helps to enhance auspiciousness and sacredness. This study also points out the application of water in daily life, both in terms of meditation practice and environmental conservation according to Buddhist principles.