Lzh Mi Bi Pm Pj 5Above the Knees
Pāli / Sanskrit:Ubbhajāṇumaṇḍalikā
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Ubbhajāṇumaṇḍalikā Sutta (The Section Above the Knees)
Background
The Ubbhajāṇumaṇḍalikā Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of Theravāda Buddhism, the section that sets forth discipline for the Sangha. This text deals with matters concerning the conduct of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs, especially rules about behavior in daily life. The word "Ubbhajāṇumaṇḍalikā" (the part above the knees) refers to breaches of conduct concerning the body from the knees upward, an important part of the material on monastic deportment.
The Vinaya Piṭaka was taught by the Buddha Śākyamuni in order to maintain purity and discipline within the Sangha. These rules are not arbitrary prohibitions, but principles that arose from specific situations in the early history of Buddhism. Whenever a bhikkhu committed something improper, the Buddha established the corresponding rule to prevent similar conduct in the future.
Main Content
This sutta lays down rules of conduct concerning the part of the body from the knees upward—the area from the waist, chest, arms, and shoulders to the head. The detailed rules include manners of conduct, instructions on bathing, covering the body, and respectfulness in speech and action by bhikkhus in different circumstances: while at the monastery, when attending Dharma talks, when going for alms, and in social interactions.
The prohibited matters include unsuitable actions such as careless contact with women, or undignified movements during practice. Bhikkhus must maintain a pure appearance, cover the body appropriately, and preserve ways of standing, sitting, and walking that express diligence and concentration. These are not unreasonable restrictions, but principles that help monastics maintain purity of mind and prevent errors that could lead to distraction or to violations of the greater disciplinary precepts.
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