San Sarv Bi Vb Pc 165Getting Nuns to Massage

Explanation of the Bhikkhunī-ummaddāpana Discourse

Background

This discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, found in the Pātimokkha, the collection of ascetic training rules for bhikkhunīs. The discourse is recorded as occurring in ancient times when the Buddha was at Sāvatthī, where the community of nuns had developed strongly under the guidance of Bhikkhunī Yasodharā and elder nuns.

This context arose from a specific incident: a bhikkhu encouraged bhikkhunīs to perform massage or rubbing for him, exceeding the boundaries of respect and bodily restraint within the Sangha. This violated the principle of restraint and protection of youth, as well as the noble standards of conduct established by the Buddhadharma.

Main Content

The Bhikkhunī-ummaddāpana rule (Pācittiya 165) stipulates that a bhikkhu must not ask or persuade bhikkhunīs to massage or rub his body, whether for relaxation or for healing. If any bhikkhu performs this act, he must undergo confession according to the Pācittiya rule, offenses requiring confession.

This rule reflects a basic principle of Vinaya: respect for the independence and dignity of bhikkhunīs. Each practitioner must take responsibility for caring for his or her own body, or request assistance from companions of the same sex, and may not exploit status or influence to request personal service from others.

This rule also protects bhikkhunīs from situations that may cause affliction or place them in conditions of being pressured or abused. It establishes a clear boundary between reasonable help in the community of practice and actions that may distract the mind or violate moral conduct.

Practical Meaning

The Bhikkhunī-ummaddāpana discourse is not merely an administrative rule in an ancient community.