Lzh Dg Bu Pm 2 Pc 88Itch Bandage
Pāli / Sanskrit:Kaṇḍuppaṭicchādi
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Kaṇḍuppaṭicchādi Sutta (The Sutta on Covering an Itch)
Background
The Kaṇḍuppaṭicchādi Sutta is found in the Pātimokkha, the basic discipline of the Vinaya Piṭaka, a key part of the Pāli Canon in the Theravāda tradition. These are detailed regulations concerning the discipline of monks and nuns in Theravāda Buddhism, issued by the Buddha to protect the purity of the monastic community and preserve the method of practice.
The background for this regulation concerns an everyday situation in the practice life of bhikkhus. When living in a community of practice, common bodily problems such as itching, heat, and irritation on the skin need to be handled in a way consistent with the discipline. The Kaṇḍuppaṭicchādi Sutta — tentatively translated as “the Sutta on Covering an Itch” — is precisely the rule on how a bhikkhu should deal with this matter without violating prohibitions connected with sexuality or monastic discipline.
Main Content
According to the principle of the Pātimokkha, a bhikkhu should not directly rub itchy places on the body with the bare hand, especially sensitive areas. The sutta prescribes that when feeling itchy, a bhikkhu should use supporting items such as a towel, cloth, or implements other than his own hand. The core purpose is to avoid actions that might arouse sensual desire or violate the spirit of restraining the senses.
This regulation reflects the Buddhist philosophy of controlling the indriya, the sense faculties. In the context of practice, every action can lead into the spirit of practice. Even small acts such as rubbing an itch should be done mindfully, without allowing instinct or desire to govern. This sutta is therefore not an unreasonable harsh demand, but teaches bhikkhus how to live so that every detail of life accords with virtue and mindfulness.
Practical Meaning
Kaṇḍuppaṭicchādi teaches us that Buddhist discipline is not a set of unreasonable prohibitions, but wise guidance on how to live consciously.
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