San Sarv Bu Pm Finot Pc 88Itch Bandage

THE DISCOURSE ON THE PROHIBITION CONCERNING CARE FOR SORES

Background

The Kaṇḍuppaṭicchādi Sutta (Itch Bandage, concerning the restriction on care for sores) has its origin in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. The Vinaya Piṭaka records the rules (Pātimokkha) that bhikkhus must observe, divided into many detailed sections related to bodily actions.

This discourse was formulated in the context of the early training community of monks and nuns. The Buddha and the great disciples recognized the need to establish specific norms to discipline the mind, maintain bodily cleanliness, and prevent actions that could lead to affliction or harm. The matter of “itching, sores” (kaṇḍu) mentioned here is not only physical, but also symbolizes the symptoms of greed, anger, and delusion, the roots of suffering.

Main Content

The Kaṇḍuppaṭicchādi Sutta states that bhikkhus are not permitted to use means for treating sores on the skin on their own initiative without following the permission or guidance of elders in the Sangha. Specifically, the use of bandages, ointments, or other materials to wrap or apply to infected or injured areas must be carried out under the supervision and instruction of experienced teachers.

The basic reasons for this rule are: first, bhikkhus in training may not be sufficiently trained in hygiene and medicine, and may harm themselves if they intervene on their own; second, excessive self-care may turn into a greedy habit of attending to the body, thereby falling into a condition of over-concern with bodily convenience instead of focusing on mental practice; third, obedience to communal rules helps build mental discipline (samādhi) from small daily actions.

This discourse also implicitly teaches legitimate dependence, not independence at all times, but personal action considered within the context of a training community.