Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Sk 97Sandals

Sandals — Upāhanāruḷha

Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Sk 97 · Comparative Vinaya — Chinese · Sectarian Tradition

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Source Status

The full source text of this scripture entry, identified as Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Sk 97, belonging to the Chinese Comparative Vinaya in the Sectarian Buddhist canon, has not yet been directly checked against the original text in the process of compiling this explanation. Therefore, what is presented below is not a canonical translation, nor a reconstruction of the complete original source. It is a general explanation built on the basis of the provided descriptive information, including the tradition name, collection, sequence number, Vietnamese and English titles, and Sanskrit term, together with general understanding of the context of Buddhist Vinaya studies. Readers should consult the original text from a reliable source for a fuller and more accurate understanding.

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Background

This entry belongs to the Comparative Vinaya — Chinese, a collection of Vinaya texts transmitted and recorded in the Chinese-language milieu, reflecting the regulations of different Buddhist schools, in this case the Sarvāstivāda tradition. The designation Sarv Bi Vb suggests that this is a section related to bhikkhunīs (Bhikkhunī) in the Vinayavibhaṅga, that is, the analytical section explaining the training rules specifically for the bhikkhunī order of the Sarvāstivāda school.

The sequence number 97 indicates that this is the ninety-seventh training rule in the series of training rules listed and analyzed in this section. In most Buddhist Vinaya traditions, rules in this position usually belong to the group of regulations concerning everyday behavior, clothing, personal requisites, and ways of living appropriate to the celibate life of one gone forth.

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Content Identifiable from the Descriptive Information

The title of this entry, “Sandals” (English: Sandals; Sanskrit: Upāhanāruḷha), gives a clear indication of the topic under discussion. The Sanskrit term Upāhanāruḷha may be analyzed into two components: upāhanā (sandals, footwear) and āruḷha (mounted, put on, worn), meaning the act of “wearing sandals” or “going in sandals.” This suggests that this training rule concerns regulation of how bhikkhunīs use sandals in particular circumstances.

In many Buddhist schools, regulations concerning sandals often relate to matters such as whether sandals may be worn within the monastery or at a stūpa; the materials and styles of sandals that are permitted; the conduct of wearing sandals before venerable ones or in places of reverence; and differences between regulations applied to bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. Although the full source text has not been checked directly, the title of this training rule clearly places emphasis on moderation and mindfulness in the use of the most basic implement for walking used by one gone forth.

In the Sarvāstivāda tradition in particular, regulations concerning personal requisites are often presented in a detailed and systematic way, clearly distinguishing cases of violation according to different degrees of seriousness, from minor offenses requiring confession to offenses requiring action before the Sangha. This mode of classification reflects the rigorous spirit of Vinaya study characteristic of this school.

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Meaning for Practice

Although it may seem to be a small rule about a simple object in daily life, the training rule concerning sandals has deep meaning for practice within the framework of the Buddhist Vinaya Pitaka.

First, it reflects the principle of fewness of wishes and contentment: one gone forth is encouraged to use requisites at the minimum necessary level, without attachment to comfort or luxury, even in ordinary things such as sandals.

Second, regulations concerning sandals relate to mindfulness in daily life. Every action, from putting on sandals, putting them away, to entering sacred spaces, is an opportunity to practice wakefulness and respect. One gone forth knows what one is doing, where one is, and what conduct is appropriate.

Third, regulating conduct related to sandals, especially in the context of the bhikkhunī order, also reflects awareness of the duty and dignity of one who bears the form of renunciation. Correctness in the smallest details of life expresses respect for the Three Jewels, for the community of practice, and for oneself.

Finally, the spirit of the entire system of Vinaya study is to protect the purity of the Sangha and create favorable conditions for each individual’s practice toward liberation. A training rule, however small, serves that great purpose.

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Comparative Note

The descriptive information identifies this entry as belonging to the Comparative Vinaya — Chinese, the Sarvāstivāda tradition, the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga section, training rule number 97, with the Sanskrit name Upāhanāruḷha. The complete original text has not yet been directly checked in this explanation. Readers and practitioners who are interested should consult the corresponding Chinese text as well as specialized scholarly comparative editions in order to understand fully the scope, conditions, and degree of this training rule within the whole Sarvāstivāda Vinaya system.