Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Pc 45Bathing

The Bathing Rule (Nahāna)

Background

The Bathing rule is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha, within the Pācittiya class of prohibitions which, if violated, require bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs to confess and make amends. This rule arose from specific situations encountered by the Buddha and his disciples in the life of practice at monasteries and shared dwellings.

In the Buddha’s time, bodily hygiene was an important factor in practice and communal discipline. Bhikkhus needed to maintain cleanliness not only to protect health, but also to show respect for places of study and practice and for the people living nearby. The regulation concerning bathing reflects a balance between caring for the body and not falling into sensual desire or wasting time.

Main Content

The Bathing rule lays down specific regulations concerning bathing for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. According to the Pāli tradition, the principal prohibitions concern bathing at unsuitable times or in improper ways.

The basic principles include: bhikkhus should not bathe too frequently, because this may lead to attachment to comfort. Conversely, failing to bathe may also violate standards of hygiene, cause illness, and disrupt practice. Therefore, the rule establishes reasonable standards for the frequency and manner of bathing.

Specifically, the regulations concern:

• Suitable times for bathing, often on certain days or in certain seasons
• Places for bathing, namely safe places that do not cause disturbance
• The manner of bathing, not indulgent and not falling into the pursuit of pleasure
• Special cases in which bathing outside the prescribed time is permitted, such as illness or fatigue after labor

Violations related to bathing are usually regarded as Pācittiya, offenses requiring confession and apology to the monastic community (Sangha).