Confession 112

Origin Story

The Buddha was staying at Vesāli. At that time, Bhaddā Kāpilānī bhikkhunī went to her relatives’ house holding an umbrella, and wearing leather sandals. The lay people were upset: “Why does this renunciate look like a lay person, and has many such wishes?”

The bhikkhunīs told Mahāpajāpatī, and she went to the World-honored One, and informed him of this matter. The Buddha said: “Summon that bhikkhunī.” When she came, he asked her: “Did you really do this?” She answered: “I really did this.” The Buddha said:

Preliminary Ruling

“From now on, it’s no longer allowed to hold an umbrella, and (wear) leather sandals.”

Second Origin Story

At another time, the Buddha was staying at Sāvatthī. Women from the Sakyan and Mallan clans who originally came from wealthy families went forth to practise the path. Then the weather was extremely hot, and caused them great weariness and discomfort.

The bhikkhunīs told Mahāpajāpatī, and she went to the World-honored One, and informed him of this matter. The Buddha said: “From now on, it’s allowed when one is sick.” The Buddha told Mahāpajāpatī: “Convene all the bhikkhunīs living in the vicinity of Sāvatthī. … Those who have already heard it should listen again:

Final Ruling

If a bhikkhunī who isn’t sick holds an umbrella, and wears leather sandals, it’s a pācittiya.”

Explanation

“A bhikkhunī” is as explained above. “Sick” means old, weak, sick, disabled, or feeble. In these cases, the World-honored One said that there’s no offense. “An umbrella” means a tree-bark umbrella, a palm-leaf umbrella, tāla* a bamboo umbrella, a reed grass umbrella, muñja* a tree-leaf umbrella, a cotton cloth umbrella, and any other similar umbrella. “Leather sandals” means single-layered and double-layered. “Holding” means using; this is a pācittiya. “Pācittiya” is as explained above. If she holds an umbrella, but doesn’t wear leather sandals, she breaks a minor vinaya rule. If she wears leather sandals, but doesn’t hold an umbrella, she also breaks a minor vinaya rule. If she holds and wears both items, it’s a pācittiya. If she doesn’t hold or wear both items, there’s no offense. If a bhikkhu holds a decorated umbrella, and wears double-layered leather sandals, he breaks a minor vinaya rule. This is what the World-honored One said.