Dhutangas
By P. V. Bapat
Summary
The article examines the “dhutanga” practices—thirteen austerities prescribed in the Buddhist monastic code as means of purification. It begins by defining the term dhutanga (“shaking off”) and listing the practices: wearing robes made of discarded cloth, living from alms, eating only once a day, dwelling at the foot of a tree, living in cemeteries, residing in the open air and remaining seated without lying down, among others. Each austerity is traced to passages in the Pāli Vinaya and commentaries. The author explains the purpose of each practice—disciplining desire, cultivating detachment and generating merit. Variations in different Buddhist schools are noted, such as how the Mahāsāṅghika and Sarvāstivāda traditions interpret certain dhutangas. The article also considers debates about whether these practices are mandatory or optional and who may undertake them. Examples from the lives of famous monks—including Mahākāśyapa and later forest monks—illustrate the transformative potential of the dhutangas. Finally, the author reflects on the continuing relevance of these ascetic disciplines in contemporary Buddhism, suggesting that their spirit of simplicity and renunciation offers an antidote to materialism.
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Conclusion
The author concludes that the dhutangas are practical exercises designed to uproot attachment and purify the mind. While not compulsory for all monks, they exemplify the Buddha’s emphasis on moderation and renunciation. By practising these austerities, individuals cultivate detachment from possessions and comforts, thereby advancing on the path to liberation. Their continued observance in forest traditions demonstrates their enduring significance within Buddhism.