Confession 127

Origin Story

The Buddha was staying at Vesāli. At that time, the World-honored One had laid down a precept that it’s not allowed to have lay women massage and wash (a bhikkhunī). Then Bhaddā bhikkhunī had another bhikkhunī massage her.

For this reason, the bhikkhunīs went and spoke with the World-honored One. … Those who have already heard it should listen again:

Final Ruling

If a bhikkhunī who isn’t sick has another bhikkhunī massage and wash her, it’s a pācittiya.”

Explanation

If she’s rubbed but not massaged, she breaks a minor vinaya rule. If she’s massaged but not rubbed, she also breaks a minor vinaya rule. If both, it’s a pācittiya. If a bhikkhu who isn’t sick has another bhikkhu massage him, he breaks a minor vinaya rule. This is what the World-honored One said.