Lzh Dg Bi Pm Pc 102Bathing Robes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Udakasāṭika
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The Rule on Bathing Robes (Udakasāṭika)
Background
The Udakasāṭika rule, on bathing robes, belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition and is part of the regulations concerning clothing in the Buddhist Sangha. This is not a Dharma discourse, but a disciplinary rule (Pātimokkha) connected with monastic discipline.
In the historical context of early Buddhism, bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs needed to follow detailed rules about clothing in order to maintain purity, modesty, and unity in the Sangha. The bathing robe (udakasāṭika) is a type of garment used when bathing, and the regulations concerning it reflect the Buddha’s concern for every detail of the life of practice, intended to train the mind and cultivate discipline.
Main Content
This rule sets forth regulations concerning the use of bathing robes in the daily life of monastics. According to the Theravāda tradition, the bathing robe is not regarded as one of the three principal robes (tisāra cīvara), but it still must follow certain principles concerning size, use, and conditions of storage.
Regulations concerning the bathing robe include the kind of cloth permitted, the way to wear the bathing robe when bathing or washing hands and feet, not keeping a bathing robe for a long time and then forgetting it, as well as restrictions connected with sharing or transferring bathing robes among monastics. These rules function to prevent laxity, carelessness, and disputes connected with common property in the Sangha.
The important point is that the bathing robe must be regarded as personal property belonging to each bhikkhu; therefore its handling must follow principles of transparency and fairness. If there is a violation, the monastic must face appropriate penalties according to the level of the offense within the Pātimokkha hierarchy.
Practical Meaning
Although this rule concerns a small detail such as a bathing robe, its deeper meaning lies in the way the Buddha taught monastics to be attentive to every action, every implement, and every relationship with property.
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