Lzh Mu Bi Vb Pc 138Raising Other’s Children

SUTTA ON RAISING THE CHILDREN OF OTHERS

Background

This sutta is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically within the Pātimokkha, the fundamental code for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. Lzh Mu Bi Vb Pc 138 belongs among the regulations on moral conduct (sīla), especially actions that do not fully constitute grave expiable offenses, yet still require self-restraint and vigilance.

In the context of the early Sangha, this issue arose when bhikkhus or bhikkhunīs had close relationships with children who were not their own. The ethical question posed was: how can those who have gone forth maintain purity of body, speech, and mind when involved with the children of other families? This is not a matter of major offenses, but concerns the refinement of practice and the preservation of the honor of the Sangha.

Main Content

The sutta stipulates that a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī should not engage in caring for or raising the children of others in a way that gives rise to suspicion or is inappropriate. Specifically, bathing, combing hair, or performing bodily care for children without proper authorization (anumodanā) or without the witness of others may lead to a self-reproach offense (pācittiya).

This rule does not entirely prohibit teaching children; this is part of charitable work that bhikkhus may carry out. However, the manner of doing so must be transparent, witnessed, and in accordance with definite boundaries. If a bhikkhu raises the child of another family secretly or with excessive emotional intimacy, this violates the spirit of the Vinaya.

The basic principle is that bhikkhus must maintain purity not only in action but also in speech and thought. Any action, even if unintentional, that gives rise to suspicion about the motive or appropriateness of such conduct should be avoided.

Practical Meaning

This sutta teaches us the importance of maintaining clear boundaries in relationships, especially with those who are vulnerable.