Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Sk 97Sandals

Upāhanāruḷha Sutta (Discourse on Sandals)

Background

The Upāhanāruḷha Sutta (Pāli: “upāhanā” = sandals, shoes; “ruḷha” = mounted, worn) belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Early Buddhist tradition. This is one of the regulations concerning everyday articles set forth by the Blessed Buddha to guide the community of monks and nuns in practice according to the discipline (sīla).

The Vinaya Piṭaka is the collection that sets forth in detail the precepts and internal discipline of the monastic community. Unlike theoretical Dharma discourses of great depth, the Vinaya Piṭaka focuses on concrete practical rules, from dress and daily life to conduct with fellow practitioners. The Sandals discourse seems to record an event connected with the use of sandals or footwear in the Sangha, from which the Blessed Buddha issued rules to regulate the actions and thoughts of his disciples.

Main Content

According to the general context of the Vinaya Piṭaka discourses, when an action or situation occurred in the Sangha, the Blessed Buddha would be informed. He would then determine whether the action violated the discipline, and if necessary, he would establish or amend rules.

In the case of the Upāhanāruḷha Sutta, the issue concerns wearing sandals, a very common article, and may relate to situations such as wearing sandals in inappropriate places, making them from unsuitable materials, or improper conduct while wearing sandals. This may concern a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī wearing sandals in sacred places, or using sandals in a way inconsistent with the spirit of practice.

After understanding the situation, the Blessed Buddha gave specific guidance on how to use sandals in accordance with the Path. These regulations are not only for controlling external behavior but also for training the mind to renounce pleasures and petty ambitions.

Practical Meaning

The Sandals Sutta teaches that even things that seem ordinary, such as how one wears sandals, have deep meaning on the path of practice.