Lzh Dg Bi Pm Sk 7Covering the Head
Pāli / Sanskrit:Oguṇṭhita
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Explanation of the Oguṇṭhita Sutra (Covering the Head)
Context
The Oguṇṭhita Sutra appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically among the regulations concerning Buddhist monastics. This is one of the matters (adhikaraṇa) related to Sangha discipline, recorded when the Buddha and his disciples lived together in monastic communities. The context of this sutra reflects practical situations in Sangha life, where rules of conduct were set forth to maintain purity and harmony in the monastic community.
The title "Oguṇṭhita" (Covering the Head) refers to a specific behavior related to covering or concealing, regarded as a violation of the Sangha's rules of conduct. This sutra is not a profound discourse on Buddhist philosophy, but practical guidance for self-governance and discipline within the monastic community.
Main Content
The Oguṇṭhita Sutra concerns regulations on the action of "covering the head" or "concealing" in the context of practice. In the Theravāda tradition, covering the head may refer to concealing the truth, failing to follow principles of transparency, or covering up conduct not in accord with the Dharma.
This sutra is recorded as a specific case that the Buddha or the Sangha had to address through disciplinary procedures. It raises the importance of straightforwardness (averi), and of not concealing or deceiving within the community of practice. Those in training must not hide violations or conduct not in accord with the Dharma and Vinaya, but must acknowledge and correct them clearly.
This regulation is connected with the concepts of "satya" (truth) and "alobha" (non-greed/non-deceit). The Buddhist Sangha is encouraged to maintain an environment in which each member is responsible for his or her own actions and may not conceal them or use strategies to avoid that responsibility.
Practical Meaning
The Oguṇṭhita Sutra offers a precious lesson on honesty in the practice of the Buddhadharma. It reminds us that the path of practice is not only inward, but must also be expressed through transparent and truthful action.
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