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EXPLANATION OF THE SANDAL SUTTA (UPĀHANĀRUḶHA)

From the traditional Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka

Background

The Sandal Sutta (Upāhanāruḷha) is found in the section of Disciplinary Rules of the Pāli Canon, specifically the Vinaya Piṭaka, a core part of the Three Baskets of the Buddha’s Dharma. These are detailed regulations concerning the disciplined life of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs in the community of practice of the Sangha.

This sutta, as its name suggests, concerns the issue of wearing sandals or shoes in monastic life. Though simple, it reflects a profound principle of the Buddha’s Dharma: every action, even small matters, has an ethical aspect (sīla) and must be performed with mindfulness (sati) and clear comprehension (sampajaññā).

The regulations on clothing and daily implements such as sandals and shoes in the Theravāda tradition are not meaningless constraints, but means of training the mind, limiting craving (taṇhā), and developing self-discipline.

Main Content

Upāhanāruḷha prescribes the situations, conditions, and forms in which monastics are permitted to wear sandals. In the Theravāda tradition, bhikkhus may wear simple sandals made of cloth or woven fiber, but must follow certain principles.

The sutta clearly specifies that sandals are to be worn only in necessary cases, such as moving from one place to another, especially on rough roads or when the weather is unfavorable. This reflects a balance between austere practice (tapas) and protecting the body from unnecessary harm.

However, one noteworthy point is that when performing sacred activities such as attending Dharma assemblies, paying homage, chanting, or staying in the monastery, monastics should remove their sandals to express reverence. This teaches the importance of fitting conduct (ājīvatthaññuto) in different contexts.