Lzh Mi Bi Vb Np 15An Almsbowl With Fewer Than Five Mends
Pāli / Sanskrit:Ūnapañcabandhana
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The Sutta on an Almsbowl With Fewer Than Five Mends (Ūnapañcabandhana)
Background
This passage belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, the first division of the Tipiṭaka, and lies within the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga or Bhikkhu Vinaya, in the Vibhaṅga analysis of the lesser rules (Pācittiya). This tradition was transmitted from the Buddha in the sixth century BCE and holds a central place in Theravāda Buddhism.
The background of this rule concerns the use and maintenance of the almsbowl (pātra), an essential implement of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs in the life of practice. The almsbowl is not only a vessel for food, but also a symbol of purity, diligence, and restraint in one gone forth. Thus, the rule about maintaining an almsbowl reflects a deep Buddhist principle: use only what is necessary, and avoid wastefulness and heedlessness.
Main Content
This rule governs how to deal with an almsbowl that is damaged or needs repair. In particular, if an almsbowl is damaged, broken, or cracked, and the number of mends is fewer than five, that is, "ūnapañcabandhana," then the bhikkhu or bhikkhunī may continue to use that almsbowl without violating the rule. However, once the number of mends reaches five or more, the almsbowl must be set aside or no longer used.
This expresses a balance between two principles: first, economy and non-waste, since what can still be used should still be used; and second, purity and the need for clear boundaries, since an almsbowl that is too old or has been repaired too many times loses its purity and practical function. This rule also reflects the Buddha’s practicality: the founder of Buddhism did not require unnecessary harshness, but he also did not allow laxity.
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