Bi Pc 8989. Bathing with sesame paste
Pāli / Sanskrit:Vāsitaka
A nun who bathes with scents and oil-seed flowers must confess the offense.
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Commentary on the Bhikkhunī Pācittiya 89: Bathing with Sesame Oil
Background
The Vāsitaka (Bathing with sesame oil) is recorded in the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha, that is, the fundamental code of discipline for nuns in the Theravāda tradition. The Vinaya Piṭaka consists of rules of conduct established by the Buddha to protect the integrity of the Sangha and to support practice.
In the context of ancient India, bathing with fragrant substances such as sesame oil and flowers infused with fatty essences (vāsita) were folk practices associated with bodily care and beautification. However, for nuns who have gone forth into homelessness, such activities were regarded as a form of indulgence in sensual pleasure (kāma-sukhallika), which runs contrary to the spirit of pure practice.
This rule was established by the Buddha upon discovering that certain nuns were using luxurious substances for bathing, thereby increasing the tendency toward craving for bodily pleasure. This is one of the teachings concerning restraint in the care of the body, directing the focus of practice toward the reduction of tendencies toward attachment.
Main Content
The Vāsitaka prescribes that any nun who bathes or anoints her body with sesame oil, flowers infused with fatty essences, or other luxurious fragrant substances must confess her fault (pācittiya). The nature of this offense is not a grave transgression, but rather a pācittiya violation (pācittiyasikkhāpada), requiring confession and repentance.
The Pāli term "vāsita" refers to materials that have been soaked, infused, or blended with essential oils and aromatic substances. The use of such materials does not fall within the list of basic requisites that are permitted. The four basic requisites (cīvara, piṇḍapāta, senāsana, bhesajja) — robes, alms food, lodging, and medicine — are considered appropriate. Luxurious substances that exceed these necessities, however, are restricted.
This rule does not absolutely prohibit bathing, but only forbids the use of materials that serve to gratify the senses in an unnecessary manner.
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