Lzh Sarv Bu Vb Pc 88Itch Bandage
Pāli / Sanskrit:Kaṇḍuppaṭicchādi
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Kaṇḍuppaṭicchādi Sutta: Paccattī Bandage (Itch Bandage)
Background
The Kaṇḍuppaṭicchādi Sutta belongs to the Pātimokkha of the bhikkhus, in the Pāyantika section, offenses requiring confession, of the Vinaya Piṭaka. This is a small but meaningful rule, reflecting the Buddha’s attentiveness to details in the holy life.
According to the Theravāda tradition, this rule was established when certain bhikkhus used bandages or covering cloths to hide itches or wounds on the body, in order to avoid people’s attention or conceal their illness. The Buddha saw that this act was not in keeping with the transparency and straightforwardness that a bhikkhu should maintain.
This rule is part of the spiritual training system of the Sangha community, intended to train monastics to keep mindfulness firm, observe ethics, and live truthfully with those around them.
Main Content
Kaṇḍuppaṭicchādi (kaṇḍu = itch; paṭicchādi = covering, wrapping) states that a bhikkhu should not use a bandage, wrapping cloth, or other materials to cover or wear on the body for the purpose of hiding an itch, wound, or illness. If there is an itch or wound, the bhikkhu should deal with it openly and straightforwardly, or seek help from bhikkhunīs or medical attendants in the community of practice.
This fault is regarded as Pāyantika, that is, an offense requiring confession before the Sangha community, or before a group of bhikkhus. Violating this rule reflects a spirit of concealment, lack of honesty, or privately arranging silence about one’s health condition without informing the community.
It is important to understand that the rule does not prohibit bhikkhus from treating itches or wounds. Rather, it encourages transparency and non-concealment.
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