Lzh Dg Bu Pm Pc 88Itch Bandage
Pāli / Sanskrit:Kaṇḍuppaṭicchādi
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Kaṇḍuppaṭicchādi Sutra — Choosing Medicine for Itching
Background
The Kaṇḍuppaṭicchādi sutra is found in the Pātimokkha, the basic legal section of the traditional Buddhist Vinaya Piṭaka. It is a regulation concerning bodily care for bhikkhus in monastic life. This sutra reflects the distinctive balance in Theravāda Buddhism: while encouraging monastics to abandon obsession with the body, it also permits reasonable care to maintain health for the practice of the Dharma.
The background records specific situations in which bhikkhus suffered from itching, a common condition in ancient monastic life. Rather than allowing the body to deteriorate, the Buddha permitted lawful therapeutic measures, provided they did not violate the spirit of the Vinaya.
Main Content
The sutra states that bhikkhus are permitted to use readily available substances to treat itching, such as fine powders, wheat flour, vegetable oils, or suitable herbs. However, the choice of medicine must follow a strict principle: expensive materials, substances that excite the senses, or things that arouse desire must not be used.
More importantly, this rule emphasizes self-mastery in caring for the body. A bhikkhu must not misuse treatment as an opportunity to satisfy desire for bodily pleasure. The choice of medicine must be made with clear mindfulness (sati) and careful discernment (sampajañña), core qualities of Buddhist practice.
This sutra also records different cases: when one needs to report to the Sangha teacher, and when one may handle the matter oneself. This shows skillful community management, respecting individual self-reliance while maintaining collective discipline.
Practical Meaning
The profound meaning of the sutra does not lie in technical details about medical treatment, but in the lesson of balance in practice. Buddhism is not unreasonable self-mortification, nor is it excessive care for the body.
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