Confession 126

Origin Story

The Buddha was staying at Vesāli. At that time, Bhaddā bhikkhunī had gone to her relatives’ house. Seeing her bathing, the women said: “We’ll rub the venerable’s body and acquire some merit.” The bhikkhunī was graceful, and because the women wanted to see her body, she allowed them to rub it. Then they used all kinds of perfumes and oils, and applied them on her body. The bhikkhunīs were upset and said: “This renunciate still has many wishes.”

The bhikkhunīs told Mahāpajāpatī, … She answered: “I really did this, World-honored One.” The Buddha said: “Why did you let lay women massage your body? From now on, it’s no longer allowed.” … Those who have already heard it should listen again:

Final Ruling

If a bhikkhunī has a lay woman apply perfume and oil, and massage and wash her, unless she’s sick, it’s a pācittiya.”

Explanation

“A bhikkhunī” is as explained above. “A lay woman” means a woman from the four classes. “Massaging and washing” means massaging and washing with all kinds of perfumes and oils. If she’s old and sick, there’s no offense. If she’s not sick, and gets massaged and washed, it’s a pācittiya. “Pācittiya” is as explained above. If there’s a wound or scabs on the body, she may massage and wash it with medicine. If she has a fever, she may rub herself and apply barley crumbs. If she has a wind disease, she may apply wheat crumbs. If she has various diseases, and applies various medicines, there’s no offense. After applying it, she may not stay with the group. She must stay in a separate room. When the disease has healed, and she has washed herself, she may return. If a bhikkhu who isn’t sick has lay people massage him, he breaks a minor vinaya rule. This is what the World-honored One said.