Lzh Dg Bi Vb Sk 7Covering the Head
Pāli / Sanskrit:Oguṇṭhita
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The Text on Covering the Head (Oguṇṭhita)
Background
The Text on Covering the Head is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the regulations on the conduct of the Buddhist Sangha. The Vinaya Piṭaka is regarded as the foundation of Buddhist moral conduct, setting forth in detail how bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs should behave, dress, speak, and live each day.
This text concerns actions regarded as violations or as inappropriate to the spirit of practice. Specifically, “covering the head” (oguṇṭhita) here does not simply mean wearing a hat or scarf, but refers to acts of concealing the face, head, or body with the intention of causing misunderstanding or hiding oneself. This is a violation of the Pātimokkha, the rules that disciples must observe in order to maintain purity of moral conduct.
The context in which this matter arose is usually recorded as cases where bhikkhus or bhikkhunīs covered the face or head with the purpose of avoiding responsibility, avoiding admission of fault, or pretending not to be monastics. The Buddha saw that such conduct reflected a spirit of falsehood, misplaced shame, or lack of truthfulness, all contrary to the basic ethics of Buddhist monastics.
Main Content
According to the principle of the Vinaya Piṭaka, intentionally covering the face or head is regarded as conduct inappropriate for one gone forth. The moral conduct of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs requires transparency, straightforwardness, and fearlessness before others. Covering the head or face shows a spirit of concealment, deceit, or unwillingness to face reality.
The Text on Covering the Head states clearly that a practitioner must maintain an open and bright attitude, without fear before public opinion or the consequences of action. If a bhikkhu covers the face or body for the purpose of avoidance or to show improper shame, that is a sign of a consciousness defiled by anger, delusion, and greed, and it must be corrected through ethical practice.
This should not be understood as Buddhism opposing appropriate clothing or the covering of the body, which is in accord with proper decorum.
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