Lzh Mg Bi Pm Sk 66Covering the Head
Pāli / Sanskrit:Oguṇṭhita
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DISCOURSE ON COVERING THE HEAD (OGUṆṬHITA)
Background
The Discourse on Covering the Head belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of Theravāda Buddhism, specifically to the discipline for the Sangha. This discourse concerns rules about the outward conduct of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs, especially deliberate acts of concealing or covering parts of the body. The context for the arising of this discourse is that the Buddha observed some monks and nuns in the community of practice behaving in ways not in accord with humility and the truthfulness of the monastic path. In particular, covering the head, concealing the face, or covering the upper part of the body while acting was a sign of shame or intentional self-concealment, contrary to the principle of living with purity and truthfulness.
These teachings are recorded in the Pātimokkha (the basic code of discipline), one of the most important parts of the Vinaya Piṭaka, intended to protect the purity of the Sangha and maintain internal discipline.
Main Content
The Discourse on Covering the Head teaches that deliberately covering the head or concealing the face while moving about, especially in situations requiring transparency, is considered an act not in accord with the discipline of monks and nuns. Such conduct may include using a robe to cover the head completely, folding a robe over the face, or similar gestures intended to hide one’s identity or conceal oneself.
The reason the Buddha established this rule was to encourage transparency and responsibility within the community of practice. A sincere monastic has no reason to hide their identity or actions. If there is shame, it is a sign of an impure state of mind, or of a fault that needs to be acknowledged and corrected.
This rule is also related to the distinction between formal dress (the three robes of a bhikkhu) and a manner of wearing them that accords with respect. A monk or nun should wear the robe according to the rule, not concealing or covering themselves in a way that gives rise to suspicion.
Meaning for Practice
More deeply, the discourse teaches that the Buddhist path of practice requires transparency with oneself and with the community. There is no place for shame or concealment in genuine practice.
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