Lzh Mg Bi Pm Sk 67Headdresses
Pāli / Sanskrit:Veṭhita
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
The Discourse on Headdresses (Veṭhita)
Background
The Veṭhita (Headdresses) is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Bhikkhu-vibhaṅga section of the Pātimokkha — the fundamental code of discipline for bhikkhus in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. This is not a discourse on philosophy or meditation, but rather a rule pertaining to the clothing and manner of dress of those who have gone forth into the homeless life.
Within the context of Theravāda Buddhism, the Vinaya Piṭaka is regarded as the foundation that protects the Sangha, enabling bhikkhus to maintain purity and discipline. This text arose as the Buddha and his disciples addressed practical matters in the conduct of monastic life. The question of head-covering relates to the protection of health, the maintenance of religious decorum, and the avoidance of conduct unbefitting a bhikkhu.
Principal Content
The Veṭhita sets forth regulations concerning the use of cloths and coverings for the head (veṭhita) by bhikkhus. According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, those who have gone forth may make use of articles for covering the head in specific circumstances, such as in harsh weather, during illness, or when the protection of one's health requires it.
However, the Vinaya also establishes restrictions to prevent head-coverings that are overly elaborate or highly ornamental, as such things are incompatible with the spirit of one who has gone forth and lives according to the way of simplicity. The materials permitted for use must be ordinary articles, free from luxury, and must conform to the general principle laid down by the Buddha of making use of only what is necessary for the sustenance of life.
The text clearly delineates which types of head-coverings are acceptable and which are forbidden, so as to ensure that bhikkhus are not drawn into trivial concerns about dress, and may thereby remain focused upon their primary purpose: the cultivation of the path, the development of wisdom, and the guiding of beings to liberation.
Practical Significance
Although the Veṭhita may appear to treat only the most minor details pertaining to dress, it carries within it profound teachings on discipline and the pure manner of living.
🌏 The Buddhist canon is vast — some sūtras (such as comparative Vinaya across schools, or untranslated Tibetan-canon texts) have to this day NEVER been translated into Vietnamese or English by anyone, scholars included. Rather than leave it blank, Inti AI offers a FAITHFUL summary grounded in the tradition — from the sūtra's title, origin and essence — so you can still reach this rare part of the treasury. Whenever an original translation exists, the app shows the original first.
Translations belong to the translator/source credited above. The bilingual compilation, presentation, and AI translations compiled by Inti are © Inti Foundation. Please attribute when quoting; do not bulk-copy or use commercially without permission.