Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Pc 128Bathing Robes

Udakasāṭika Sutta: Instruction on the Bathing Cloth

Background

The rule concerning the bathing cloth (udakasāṭika) is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically within the Pātimokkha, the basic code for monks and nuns, under the Pācittiya category, offenses requiring confession. This is one of the most detailed regulations in the Theravāda Buddhadharma concerning the management of property and the use of allowable requisites in the monastic community.

The background for the arising of this rule concerns events in the Sangha community during the Buddha’s time. As the number of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs increased, the Buddha continually laid down instructions on how to use robes, undergarments, and other necessary articles. The rule concerning the bathing cloth reflects a practical need: how to manage everyday requisites fairly without violating the Buddhist principles of modesty and renunciation.

According to the Theravāda tradition, the Vinaya Piṭaka is not merely a set of prohibitions but a profound teaching on discipline, self-control, and respect in the community of practice.

Main Content

The Udakasāṭika rule states that a monastic may not keep or use a bathing cloth beyond the permitted time or manner. Specifically, a monastic may keep only one bathing cloth suited to hygienic and cleanly needs, and must not accumulate many bathing cloths as a form of personal property.

The key point of this rule is the distinction between “necessity” and “excessive possession.” A bathing cloth is considered a necessary article for maintaining hygiene and bodily health, a legitimate part of diligent practice. However, possessing many bathing cloths or keeping them for a long time without use is regarded as unnecessary accumulation, contrary to the principle of non-accumulation of possessions (aparigrahā).