Lzh Mu Bi Vb Pc 168What is Scented
Pāli / Sanskrit:Vāsitaka
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
Vāsitaka Sutta: What Is Scented
Background
The Vāsitaka Sutta is found in the Pātimokkha, the basic code of discipline, specifically in the Pācittiya section: rules concerning offenses requiring confession for bhikkhunīs. This discourse is presented in the form of question and answer, reflecting the Buddha’s method of teaching when explaining details about categories that are permitted and not permitted in the Sangha.
The context of this discourse concerns bhikkhunīs’ use of scented substances in the life of practice. This is a subtle matter, because in Buddhist discipline, modesty and restraint of the senses are considered important factors for maintaining concentration (samādhi) and avoiding attachment to sensory pleasures. Vāsitaka in Pāli means "things that are scented," including perfumes, scented oils, fragrances, and similar substances.
Main Content
The Vāsitaka Sutta clearly identifies which materials are considered "scented" (vāsita) in the sense of the discipline. Usually, this discourse presents a list of substances permitted for bodily hygiene or medical treatment, and substances forbidden because they are directly connected with beautification or the seeking of comfort beyond the purpose of a simple life.
According to the Theravāda tradition, permitted scented substances include coconut oil used for medical purposes, or substances serving the treatment of illness. Conversely, substances used solely to give fragrance to the body, such as perfume or fine scented oil used for beauty, are prohibited because they create conditions for ambition regarding beauty and satisfaction in sensation.
This discourse further clarifies borderline situations, for example when a substance has both medical properties and the ability to give fragrance; the decision is made based on the user’s primary intention (cetanā). This shows the subtlety of Buddhist discipline: not only the outward act matters, but the intention behind that act is also carefully examined.
🌏 The Buddhist canon is vast — some sūtras (such as comparative Vinaya across schools, or untranslated Tibetan-canon texts) have to this day NEVER been translated into Vietnamese or English by anyone, scholars included. Rather than leave it blank, Inti AI offers a FAITHFUL summary grounded in the tradition — from the sūtra's title, origin and essence — so you can still reach this rare part of the treasury. Whenever an original translation exists, the app shows the original first.
Translations belong to the translator/source credited above. The bilingual compilation, presentation, and AI translations compiled by Inti are © Inti Foundation. Please attribute when quoting; do not bulk-copy or use commercially without permission.