Toh 1-5Chapter 5: On Leather
Pāli / Sanskrit:Carmavastu
Summary This text discusses the use of hides by members of the Buddhist monastic community for various occasions. It begins with a lengthy narrative on the life story of Śroṇa Koṭikarṇa, whose wandering in the realms of the hungry ghosts eventually led him to become an ordained Buddhist monk. Regulations on the matter of hides were first discussed when Śroṇa Koṭikarṇa, on behalf of his master Mahākātyāyana, asked the Blessed One five questions concerning the special circumstances in the region of Aśmāparāntaka. More rules were established to regulate the use of shoes and the materials that could be use to make shoes, rugs, sitting mats, as well as rules that regulate the use of tall and wide bed, issues concerning river-crossing, bathing, and the storage of tools for repairing shoes.
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Commentary on the Carmavastu: The Chapter on Leather and Footwear
Context
The Carmavastu (Chapter on Leather) is an important section of the Vinaya, the disciplinary canon of the Mahayana Buddhist Sangha, recorded in the Northern Canon (the Tibetan Kangyur). This scripture does not discuss lofty spiritual matters, but focuses on practical regulations for daily life in the monastic community, reflecting the challenges faced by monastics in everyday life.
The narrative context begins with the life story of Śroṇa Koṭikarṇa, a monk with a deeply meaningful history. Before going forth, Śroṇa had to endure the karmic results of unwholesome deeds from a previous life, wandering in the realm of hungry suffering (preta-gati). Only when he was tamed by the Buddha Dharma did he escape that cycle of suffering and receive permission to go forth under the guidance of the master Mahākātyāyana. From then on, Śroṇa Koṭikarṇa became one of the exemplary disciples, demonstrating the transformative power of the Buddha Dharma.
When Śroṇa Koṭikarṇa asked questions on behalf of his teacher Mahākātyāyana about regulations concerning the use of animal hide in the region of Aśmāparāntaka (Rocky Mountains), the Blessed Buddha recognized this practical need and established essential rules.
Main Content
The Carmavastu addresses an issue that may seem minor, but is in fact closely connected with the ethics and discipline of the Sangha. This is the use of leather (carma), a material derived from animals, for practical needs such as making footwear, bedding mats, cushions for seated meditation, and other requisites.
The scripture clearly specifies which kinds of leather may be used and which are prohibited, how footwear is to be made, and what rules must be observed. Monks are permitted to use such items because they are necessary for health and for the course of practice, especially in harsh climates such as Aśmāparāntaka, where the ground is cold and sharp with gravel and stone.
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