Lzh Mi Bu Pm Ss 2Physical Contact
Pāli / Sanskrit:Kāyasaṁsagga
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Kāyasaṁsagga Sutta (Physical Contact)
Background
Kāyasaṁsagga (physical contact) is a regulation belonging to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. This text addresses limitations and rules concerning bodily contact between bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs, or with persons outside the Sangha. It is part of the Pātimokkha, the basic discipline, prescribing actions to be avoided in order to protect the purity and meditative stability of practitioners in the Sangha.
The regulation of bodily contact reflects the Buddha’s profound understanding of the human mind: the faculties (indriya), especially touch (phassa), can arouse feelings (vedanā) that provide conditions for craving (lobha) to arise. Therefore, caution concerning bodily contact is not discrimination, but a method for protecting the mind from distraction, helping the bhikkhu maintain meditative composure and spiritual energy.
Main Content
According to the Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka, the regulations on Kāyasaṁsagga emphasize that a bhikkhu should not have bodily contact with women, especially contact that is intentional or sensually suggestive. Likewise, bhikkhunīs observe corresponding rules with regard to men. Actions such as shaking hands, touching the hand, shoulder, or other parts of the body intentionally are regarded as unsuitable for monastic life.
However, the Vinaya also recognizes necessary circumstances, such as medical care or emergencies. The distinction between accidental and intentional contact is important. A bhikkhu may adjust another person’s robe or assist a sick person, but must do so with a pure mind of loving-kindness (mettā), without any thought of sensual pleasure or attachment.
The Vinaya also prescribes how violations are to be handled. If a bhikkhu intentionally touches a woman with a sensual intention, this is regarded as a major fault (pācittiya).
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