Lzh Dg Bu Pm 2 Ss 2Physical Contact
Pāli / Sanskrit:Kāyasaṁsagga
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THE SCRIPTURE ON PHYSICAL CONTACT (KĀYASAṂSAGGA)
Background
The Scripture on Physical Contact belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, the collection that regulates the disciplined life of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs in the Buddhist community. This content arose from practical situations in monastic life, where issues of bodily contact among monastics could give rise to dispositions unsuitable for the purity of the holy life.
In the Theravāda tradition, the Vinaya Piṭaka is recorded in detail in order to protect the direction of practice of the community of monks and nuns, aiming toward purity of mind and action. The rules concerning bodily contact are not harsh or unnatural, but wise measures to keep the mind abiding in peace, away from distractions that may obstruct practice.
This scripture reflects the Buddha’s alertness to the nature of the human mind, the way physical contact may stimulate psychological states, as well as respect for the differences between stages of practice and various circumstances.
Main Content
In this scripture, the Buddha addresses provisions concerning bhikkhus or bhikkhunīs having bodily contact with another person, whether by hand, by body, or through other forms of touching. These rules are distinguished according to the persons involved: male monastics with female monastics, monastics with laypeople, as well as special cases such as medical care or emergency situations.
The scripture clearly states that unnecessary bodily contact may give rise to impure states of mind, or at least reduce opportunities for practice. Moreover, from a social perspective, inappropriate contact may cause suspicion or harm the reputation of the monastic community.
Nevertheless, the scripture does not absolutely forbid all contact. It acknowledges that in necessary situations, such as healing the sick, rescuing someone, or valid Buddhist rites, contact may be possible, but it must be carried out with a pure mind, without greed or desire.
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