Mpt Pc 89Itch Bandage
Pāli / Sanskrit:Kaṇḍuppaṭicchādi
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The Itch Covering Discourse (Kaṇḍuppaṭicchādi)
Background
The Itch Covering Discourse (Kaṇḍuppaṭicchādi) is recorded in the Vinaya Pitaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically in the Pāṭimokkha section of the Theravāda school. This is a regulation concerning the daily conduct of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs in matters of bodily hygiene.
The background for the arising of this discourse comes from a specific situation in which a bhikkhu suffered from itching and the way this condition was handled. In the time of the Buddha Śākyamuni, practitioners often lived in austere environments, in places without modern sanitary conditions. Itching, fungal infections, and other skin diseases were common problems. This discourse records the Buddha’s guidance on how to deal with such situations reasonably, both preserving the spirit of practice and avoiding harm to the body.
Main Content
The Itch Covering Discourse states that when a bhikkhu suffers from itching, he is permitted to use suitable materials to cover or apply to the affected area of skin in order to reduce discomfort. This is not considered a violation of the disciplinary rules if done for the purpose of healing and maintaining the basic health needed to continue practice.
Specifically, the Buddha permitted the use of oils, animal fats, or other natural substances to cover or apply to the skin in order to reduce itching and irritation. However, the purpose must clearly be medical, not cosmetic or a search for excessive comfort. The Buddha regarded such modest care of the body as consistent with the ethics of practice, because he understood that a body not overly harmed helps the mind become more settled for cultivating concentration (jhāna) and developing wisdom (paññā).
This discourse also implicitly points to a very important principle: a bhikkhu is permitted to care for the body to the necessary degree. This is not a rigid prohibition, but neither is one allowed to sink into the pursuit of comfort. This is the middle way (majjhimā paṭipadā) that the Buddha always praised.
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