Lzh Mu Bu Vb Pc 60Bathing
Pāli / Sanskrit:Nahāna
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BATHING DISCOURSE (Nahāna)
Background
Nahāna, or the Bathing Discourse, is a rule belonging to the Pātimokkha, the basic code, in the Sangha Vinaya of the Theravāda tradition. The background of this rule concerns hygiene and cleanliness among bhikkhus in the Sangha community during the time of Buddha Śākyamuni.
According to the Pāli Canon tradition, the early monks initially did not have a clear regulation concerning bathing. After incidents occurred concerning the use of shared bathing water, or inappropriate actions during bathing, the Buddha issued this rule to protect discipline, improve ethical conduct, and maintain the good image of the Sangha in society.
The rule on bathing belongs to the Pācittiya class, that is, rules requiring confession. It is not among the gravest offenses, but it must still be strictly observed in order to maintain purity in practice.
Main Content
According to the Pāli Canon, the rule concerning bathing states that bhikkhus must observe certain principles when bathing. Specifically, bathing must be performed with dignity and should not be misused as time or opportunity for seeking sensual pleasure. The rule also sets forth behaviors that should not be done while bathing, such as actions considered inappropriate for a monastic.
This discourse also refers to specific situations witnessed by the Buddha or reported to him, from which concrete rules of conduct were developed. These rules concern not only the physical act of bathing but also the mind: a bhikkhu must guard the purity of his mind, not letting the mind wander into fantasies or give rise to hostility while performing this activity.
The rule emphasizes that bathing is a necessary daily activity, but it must be done with clear awareness of practice, not for seeking pleasure or harming other living beings.
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