11 / 13 · Dwelling
Living in a charnel ground
Dwelling near a place of cremation to contemplate death and impermanence.
- Author
- Dhutanga.org Editorial Team
- Review
- Doctrinal review pending
- Tradition
- Theravada, with comparative notes
- Published
- Last reviewed
- Pali name
- Sosānikaṅga
- Group
- Dwelling
Meaning
Susāna means “charnel ground” or “cemetery”. The practitioner lives where bodies were left or cremated, as a support for mindfulness of death (maraṇassati).
How it is practised
The practitioner lives in or near the charnel ground, respectful of local people and customs, and uses the setting to reflect on the impermanence of the body.
Grades of strictness
The grades differ according to how constantly the place is in use and how directly the practitioner lives among its sights and sounds.
Benefits described in the tradition
- Mindfulness of death
- Diminished lust and vanity
- Fearlessness
- Deep appreciation of the preciousness of life
When the observance lapses
The observance lapses when the practitioner moves to a place that is not a charnel ground.
Context today
The Visuddhimagga does not include this practice among those recommended for nuns, and it demands strong guidance. Contemporary monastics sometimes contemplate at cemeteries, but few live in them. It is a traditional practice to understand, not to imitate.