Lzh Sarv Bu Vb Sk 98Shoes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Pāduka
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Pāduka Sutta (Sutta on Footwear)
Background
The Pāduka Sutta is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the early tradition, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga (Explanation of the Rules for Nuns). These are detailed disciplinary rules concerning the practical lives of monastics in the Buddhist Sangha. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not merely a collection of prohibitions, but expresses the Buddha’s deep teaching on self-restraint, humility, and respect for the life of practice.
The account concerning shoes and sandals arose from specific situations in the monastic community. These small details all have profound significance, reflecting the way the Buddha and his disciples built a community that was clean and disciplined without being harsh, and always attentive to refinement in conduct.
Main Content
The Pāduka Sutta concerns rules on the use of shoes and sandals, objects that appear simple but carry deep meaning in the life of practice. In the Theravāda tradition, bhikkhunīs must observe strict rules concerning clothing and personal requisites, in order to cultivate the spirit of dispassion (virāga) and non-clinging (anattā).
The rules in this sutta prescribe the proper use of sandals: they should not be worn into prohibited places, should not obstruct others, and should be kept clean. These seemingly small matters are in fact lessons in heedfulness (appamāda) in every action. Each step, each act of dressing or putting on sandals, is an opportunity to train the mind and to live in full mindfulness (sati).
The Vinaya Piṭaka emphasizes that these rules are not meant to restrict or cause suffering, but to protect the integrity of the Sangha and create favorable conditions for practice. Observing the customs of daily life is the very foundation for developing firm virtue (sīla).
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