Lavatory Duty

Lavatory duty

It is the practice in the Buddha sāsana to always give priority to the elder. However, entering the lavatory is not according to age but according to the order of arrival. Entering the urinal and the bathing spot is also according to the order of arrival.

One who arrives at a lavatory should clear his throat to ascertain whether it is occupied or not. Anyone who is inside should do the same to indicate that it is occupied. The robe must be hung on the line or pole provided for this purpose, before entering the lavatory. Should not raise the andana before arriving at the toilet footrest. Should not exert with a loud noise while defecating. Should not defecate while chewing the tooth stick. Should not defecate at places other than the proper location. Should not urinate outside. Should not spit where you are urinating. Should not make a noise when washing. The andana must be lowered before leaving the seat. Should not leave any water in the vessal used for washing. If there is no water left in the lavotary, one should keep some there. If the lavatoary is dirty, it must be swept and cleaned. If no water is available, it must be cleaned by some other means. It is the duty of a bhikkhu to clean the lavatory soiled by him and not leave it for another to clean. This duty is not to be ignored. The lavatory and its surroundungs if dirty must be swept and cleaned. This is the lavatory duty.

Although there is mention of a Jantāghāra vata in the vinaya, it is not given here, as there are no jantāghāra these days.