Lzh Mi Bu Pm Np 27Getting a Nun to Wash Wool

The Sutta on Asking a Bhikkhunī to Wash Wool

(Eḷakalomadhovāpana Sutta)

Background

This sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically among the rules governing the community of bhikkhunīs. In the Buddha's time, as the community of monks and nuns flourished, matters of daily practice and life needed to be clearly regulated in order to maintain discipline and spiritual integrity. The background of this sutta arose from a specific situation in the community, concerning the task of washing wool (eḷakalomadhova) and the way bhikkhunīs were entrusted with work responsibilities.

Wool was used to make mattresses, pillows, or other items in the monastery. Washing wool was a necessary but rather laborious task. The sutta records the Buddha's instructions on how to assign and manage this work fairly, avoiding injustice or hardship for any bhikkhunī.

Main Content

According to the Vinaya Pitaka, when assigning the work of washing wool to bhikkhunīs, certain principles must be observed. This sutta establishes that no bhikkhunī should be compelled or forced to perform this work if she does not volunteer. Each bhikkhunī has the right to decline if she feels unwell or has another valid reason.

The rule states that the assignment of work must be fair, rotational, and take into account the health and condition of each individual. If a bhikkhunī is weak, ill, or has important duties in study and practice, she should not be required to perform heavy work such as washing wool. The Buddha emphasized that in the community of bhikkhunīs, the spirit of compassion (karuṇā) and respect for each individual is of utmost importance.

The sutta also instructs the leaders of the monastery on how to choose bhikkhunīs suitable for this work, and how to handle disputes if they arise. If a bhikkhunī shows an uncooperative attitude or deliberately causes disturbance, the community may apply appropriate disciplinary measures according to the Vinaya.