Lzh Mg Bu Pm Sk 52Shoes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Pāduka
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
Commentary on the Pāduka Sutta (Shoes)
Background
The Pāduka Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, reflecting the detailed attention that Theravāda Buddhism pays to the rules governing the daily life of the Saṅgha. The matter of footwear may seem trivial, yet it reflects a profound principle: every action, including the most mundane, must be performed with mindfulness and in accordance with the ethics of practice.
In the age of the Buddha, bhikkhus lived with minimal possessions, following the principles of the Pātimokkha, the fundamental code of discipline. Even small items such as footwear were regulated in their use, so as to avoid arrogance, wastefulness, or the loss of one's dignity as a member of the holy order. This sutta records the specific instructions taught by the Buddha so that bhikkhus might maintain discipline and cleanliness in the life of simplicity.
Principal Content
According to the Vinaya Piṭaka tradition, the Buddha established rules concerning the wearing of footwear in order to serve two purposes: to protect the body from injury caused by sharp stones and rough ground, and at the same time to maintain uprightness and freedom from conceit. Footwear must not be excessively luxurious, for that would run contrary to the principle of humility in practice.
The sutta stipulates that a bhikkhu is permitted to possess only such footwear as is fitting for the life of a renunciant, appropriate to the local climate and circumstances. When traveling from one place to another, or when participating in major ceremonies, the wearing of footwear is permitted; however, shoes must not be placed upon an altar or in any sacred space. This reflects respect for the space of practice and for the honored presence of the Triple Gem.
The specific regulations also address the cleaning and maintenance of footwear, so that it does not deteriorate or cause inconvenience to others. This rule emphasizes that caring for even small possessions is an expression of a humble and responsible mind.
Practical Significance
The Pāduka Sutta teaches that no detail is too small to be overlooked on the path of practice.
🌏 The Buddhist canon is vast — some sūtras (such as comparative Vinaya across schools, or untranslated Tibetan-canon texts) have to this day NEVER been translated into Vietnamese or English by anyone, scholars included. Rather than leave it blank, Inti AI offers a FAITHFUL summary grounded in the tradition — from the sūtra's title, origin and essence — so you can still reach this rare part of the treasury. Whenever an original translation exists, the app shows the original first.
Translations belong to the translator/source credited above. The bilingual compilation, presentation, and AI translations compiled by Inti are © Inti Foundation. Please attribute when quoting; do not bulk-copy or use commercially without permission.