Bi Pc 9090. Getting a massage from a nun
Pāli / Sanskrit:Bhikkhunī-ummaddāpana
A nun who makes another nun rub her must confess the offense.
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Kinh Bhikkhunī-ummaddāpana
On a Nun Having Another Person Soothe Her Body
Background
This rule is recorded in the Pāṭimokkha (the Fundamental Code of Discipline) for nuns, specifically within the Pācittiya section—those offenses requiring confession and amendment. It reflects a situation that arose when nuns within the monastic community (Saṃgha) needed to uphold purity of conduct. In that era, the care of one's health was a practical necessity, yet the Buddha guided the members of the Saṃgha on how to attend to it properly, without transgressing the Vinaya.
The Pāli compound "bhikkhunī-ummaddāpana" may be analyzed into three meaningful parts: bhikkhunī (nun), ummaddāpana (causing to be soothed, or compelling another to soothe). This is one of the rules pertaining to mutual respect and the steadfast cultivation of nuns who practice in accordance with the Vinaya Piṭaka.
Principal Content
According to the Pāṭimokkha, a nun is not permitted to compel or require another nun to soothe or massage her without a proper reason, and in particular not for reasons unrelated to genuine health need. If any nun arbitrarily compels another nun to perform this service—referred to as "ummaddāpana" (soothing of the body)—that nun must confess a Pācittiya offense (paccayā).
This rule does not categorically prohibit massage or the care of one's health. Rather, it prohibits a nun from compelling or coercing another to perform such a service. The distinction is essential: if a nun voluntarily soothes another out of compassion and a wish to help, this is to be encouraged. However, if the other nun regards it as an obligation she must fulfill or is compelled to carry out, then an offense arises.
This rule teaches that each nun possesses autonomy over her own body and her own time. Such autonomy is the foundation of discipline (vinaya) and of mutual respect among members of the Saṃgha.
Practical Significance
The Bhikkhunī-ummaddāpana teaches us a profound lesson regarding the boundary between loving care and imposition. Within the monastic community, trust is built upon willingness, not upon compulsion.
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