Lzh Mi Bu Pm Sk 85Shoes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Pāduka
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The Pāduka Discourse (The Discourse on Footwear)
Background
Pāduka, or “footwear” in Pāli, is a discourse belonging to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. Vinaya Piṭaka texts are not sermons on absolute truth, but regulations concerning the discipline of the community of monks and nuns. The Pāduka discourse concerns regulations on personal items that monks and nuns may possess, specifically footwear.
In ancient India, footwear was a practical item for traveling on rough roads, in hot sun, or through mud. However, the Buddha established regulations on the kinds of footwear that monks and nuns were permitted to wear, in order to maintain humility, lack of ostentation, and resistance to material craving. These regulations reflect the broader philosophy of Theravāda Buddhist practice: independence, purity, and focus on liberation.
Main Content
According to the regulations in the Vinaya Piṭaka, monks and nuns are permitted to own basic footwear to protect the feet, but it must conform to certain criteria. Footwear must not be made of rare or luxurious materials. It should be made from coarse materials, such as the skin of wild animals, or other natural materials, in order to reflect the renunciant attitude of the practitioner.
The number of pairs of footwear a monk or nun may have is limited, usually two or three pairs for replacement when needed. The purpose of this limitation is not to create hardship, but to help practitioners recognize that daily objects are only necessary tools, not things with which to adorn oneself or satisfy desire.
The discourse also mentions penalties or criticism for monks and nuns if they possess footwear contrary to the rule, for example, footwear that is too luxurious or exceeds the permitted number. This is a way for the community of monks and nuns to maintain collective purity and prevent the formation of ambitious habits.
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