Lzh Mg Bu Pm Sk 54Headdresses
Pāli / Sanskrit:Veṭhita
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Commentary on the Veṭhita Sutta (The Discourse on Headdresses)
Background
The Veṭhita Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka within the Theravāda tradition, forming part of the monastic code that governs the conduct of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. These are practical rules concerning the humble and disciplined life of the Sangha. The Vinaya Piṭaka was established to safeguard the principles of practice, preserve the purity of the community, and assist practitioners in advancing along the path to liberation.
This sutta centers on the matter of using various kinds of headdresses (veṭhita)—that is, cloths wrapped around the head and face. In the context of ancient India, such coverings were common attire for protection against the weather, dust, and insects. However, the Dharma does not encourage monastics to use ornate or elaborate garments and adornments, as this runs contrary to the spirit of humility and non-attachment to worldly things.
Principal Content
The Veṭhita Sutta stipulates that bhikkhus should not wrap cloth around their heads and faces in a manner that is excessively concealing or excessively elaborate. Categories of headdresses that are not permitted include fine silken cloths and scarves that have been dyed or ornately decorated, as such things are regarded as serving self-indulgence and the gratification of the senses.
This rule differs from simple headdresses, which are permitted for practical purposes such as shielding oneself from the sun, the rain, or insects. This distinction is made clear within the Vinaya Piṭaka: a monastic is permitted to make use of basic articles to protect one's health, but may not make use of them to gratify desires for beauty or social status.
The underlying principle rests upon the distinction between lokiya (belonging to the worldly) and lokuttara (transcending the worldly). Bhikkhus must live with utmost simplicity and focus their attention upon practice, not upon making a display of themselves or drawing the attention of others. The rules concerning attire—including headdresses—are a concrete expression of the fifth training precept (Pañcasīla) regarding discipline and self-restraint.
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