Lzh Mi Bi Vb Pc 82Walking in Bathing Cloth After Bath
Pāli / Sanskrit:Walking in bathing cloth after bath
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Explanation: The Discourse "Wearing a Bathing Cloth After Bathing"
Background
This discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, one of the regulations concerning the disciplined life of bhikkhus in the Sangha community during the Buddha's time. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not punitive regulation but a path of self-training in discipline, helping monastics live properly and focus their energy on concentration and wisdom.
The deeper background is that bhikkhus in the Buddha's time often practiced near natural bodies of water, rivers, lakes, and streams, to cleanse the body. However, gestures while bathing and clothing after bathing are also part of mindful practice. This discourse concerns the "Pātimokkha," the basic code that every bhikkhu must observe. Specifically, it is a "Pācittiya," a light violation requiring confession.
Main Content
According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, after bathing, a bhikkhu should not wear the bathing cloth (udakasenasana) and walk around the monastery or in public places. This action is considered disrespectful and unsuitable to the image of one gone forth living in humility.
The deeper reason is that the bathing cloth is a temporary item for fulfilling a basic need of hygiene. If one continues to wear it while walking around, it appears as though the process of bodily cleansing is not complete or that one has not respected the steps of preparation. This reflects the spirit that every action of a bhikkhu, even something as small as bathing, must be carried out from beginning to end, with mindfulness (sati).
This regulation is also related to the "bhikkhu qualities" (Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga), the characteristics of the conduct of a true monastic. Quickly changing clothes after bathing, putting on the upper robe (uttarāsaṅga) or outer robe (saṅghāti) properly, is an expression of moderation and self-restraint, showing respect for the Sangha and those around one.
Practical Meaning
This discourse teaches that practice is not only in moments of sitting meditation or studying scripture, but in every moment of daily life.
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