San Sarv Bu Pm Tf 11 Pc 60Bathing

The Bathing Discourse (Nahāna): An Explanation from the Vinaya Piṭaka

Context

The Bathing Discourse (Nahāna) is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, specifically in the Bhikkhuṇī Pātimokkha, the code for bhikkhunīs, or the Bhikkhu Pātimokkha, the code for bhikkhus. It is one of the rules belonging to the Pācittiya class, offenses requiring confession, rules concerning the daily conduct of the monastic community. This discourse was established by the Buddha to regulate conduct, minimize harmful effects, maintain physical and mental cleanliness, and direct attention toward the path of practice. The recorded context shows that rules on personal hygiene have not only practical significance but also reflect the general principle of early Buddhism: a balance between discipline and healthy living.

Main Content

In Pācittiya 60, the discourse speaks about bathing, an activity that seems ordinary yet becomes a matter of practice regulated with care. Specifically, the rule concerns when, where, and how bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs should bathe the body. The discourse makes clear that bathing should not be done arbitrarily, regardless of weather conditions or personal health, but should follow communal rules and the guidance of senior teachers. In particular, if one bathes under unsuitable conditions, such as at times not permitted, or by using materials or places not permitted, this is a Pācittiya offense.

An important element of this rule is awareness of moral shame and moral dread (hiri-ottappa). A bhikkhu or bhikkhunī should not bathe freely whenever desired, for this reflects an acceptance of selfhood (attan), which practice seeks to abandon. Instead, observing the rules concerning bathing shows humility under the common discipline, valuing communal harmony above personal desires.