Lzh Mg Bi Pm Np 22An Almsbowl With Fewer Than Five Mends
Pāli / Sanskrit:Ūnapañcabandhana
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Commentary on the Ūnapañcabandhana Sutta
An Almsbowl With Fewer Than Five Mends
Background
The Ūnapañcabandhana is found within the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha—the foundational code of rules for monks and nuns. In the Theravāda tradition, the Vinaya Piṭaka was set forth by the Blessed One to tame the mind, to train practitioners, and to maintain harmony within the Sangha. This text addresses regulations concerning the almsbowl used by monks—an essential component of the few personal possessions that each ordained person is permitted to keep.
At that time, some monks, whether due to old age or for other reasons, were unable to repair their almsbowls in a timely manner. Some allowed their bowls to fall into disrepair for too long without attending to them, resulting in an unsightly appearance and a failure to uphold the standards of monastic conduct. The Blessed One therefore set forth clear rules regarding the care and repair of the almsbowl, so that his disciples would understand that the practice does not concern the mind alone—the maintenance of one's requisites is likewise a part of cleanliness and discipline.
Main Content
According to the Ūnapañcabandhana, an almsbowl is considered to have "fewer than five mends" (ūnapañcabandhana) when the total number of repaired places does not exceed four. This is the criterion for determining whether a bowl may continue to be used or must be replaced.
The Vinaya rule stipulates that if a bowl remains intact or has only between one and four mends, a monk may continue to use it. However, when a bowl is damaged in a critical area—such as the base or the rim—and requires more than five mends, that bowl must be discarded or replaced with a new one. This rule is not merely a practical matter; it also reflects the principle of "not living in wastefulness" that the Blessed One consistently emphasized.
The text further notes that when making repairs, monks should employ suitable means and must not use patching materials that are overly elaborate or costly, as doing so would violate the spirit of simplicity (aniruddha).
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