Lzh Mi Bu Pm Np 19An Almsbowl With Fewer Than Five Mends
Pāli / Sanskrit:Ūnapañcabandhana
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Ūnapañcabandhana Sutta: An Almsbowl Repaired in Fewer Than Five Places
Background
In the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition of the Buddha-Dharma, regulations concerning the almsbowl (patta) of bhikkhus are regarded as important matters related to the discipline and life of the Sangha. The Ūnapañcabandhana Sutta belongs to the Nissaggiya Pācittiya section, offenses requiring forfeiture and confession, of the Pāṭimokkha, and refers to the case of an almsbowl that has been damaged and repaired.
The term "Ūnapañcabandhana" is composed of two parts: "Ūna" (less, insufficient) and "pañcabandhana" (five bindings or repairs). This is a detailed regulation intended to protect the honesty and suitability of requisites in the life of study and practice of the community. The almsbowl is one of the three basic objects that each bhikkhu must possess, together with the robe and bedding.
According to the Theravāda tradition, a bhikkhu’s use of an overly old or seriously damaged bowl is not only a material issue, but also reflects an attitude of practice and personal discipline. This sutta was recorded to guide bhikkhus in handling the property of practice properly and responsibly.
Main Content
The Ūnapañcabandhana Sutta stipulates that an almsbowl may be considered repairable if it is damaged in fewer than five places, or has fewer than five places needing to be bound or joined. When an almsbowl is damaged in only one, two, three, or four places, a bhikkhu is still permitted to repair that bowl without violating the discipline.
However, if a bowl is damaged in five places or more, meaning that it has become too badly damaged, a bhikkhu is not permitted to continue using it but must give up that old bowl. This principle is intended to ensure that the almsbowl still has practical value and reflects respect for the property of the Sangha.
This rule is also connected with the principle concerning the property of bhikkhus. According to Theravāda teaching, all the property of a bhikkhu belongs to the Sangha as a whole.
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