Lzh Mg Bu Vb Sk 18Covering the Head (2nd)

– MAHĀSĀṂGHIKA VINAYA

– SETTING FORTH THE BEGINNING SECTION OF THE RULES OF TRAINING FOR THE COMMUNITY:

18. "One should train thus: one must not sit in a householder's dwelling with the head covered."

Covering the head: Covering both the head and the two ears completely.

One must not sit in a dwelling with the head covered. When receiving a meal at a monastery, or when sitting before preceptors, teachers, or senior bhikkhus, one must not cover the head. In cases of rain, wind, or cold, or when one is ill or suffering from a wind-headache, one must not cover the head completely, but should cover only half the head, leaving one ear exposed. However, upon seeing a senior bhikkhu, one must remove the covering. If one covers the head while sitting alone in a private, secluded room, there is no offense. If, with the sense faculties given over to heedlessness, one covers the head and sits in a dwelling, this amounts to disregarding the rule of training. Except in the case of mental derangement, there is no offense. Therefore it is said:

"One should train thus: one must not sit in a householder's dwelling with the head covered."

When the Buddha was residing in the city of Sāvatthī, as elaborated above. At that time the group of six bhikkhus sat in householders' dwellings with their robes draped over their shoulders, and were mocked by the people:

—Why do these Samaṇas, sons of the Sakyan, sit in dwellings with their robes draped over their shoulders, exposing their elbows and flanks, just like princes, ministers, and prostitutes who sell their beauty? These are corrupt men — what conduct worthy of the path do they have!

The bhikkhus then reported this matter to the Blessed One. The Buddha directed that the group of six bhikkhus be summoned. When they had come, the Buddha asked them:

—Did this really happen as reported?

—It is exactly so, Blessed One.

—From this day forward, you must not sit in householders' dwellings with your robes draped over your shoulders.

Thereupon the Buddha commanded all the bhikkhus residing in the city of Sāvatthī to assemble together, and for the sake of ten benefits he laid down this rule for the bhikkhus — and even those who have already heard it must hear it again:

Vietnamese translation: Thích Phước Sơn. MAHĀSĀṂGHIKA VINAYA

Chinese translation: TRIPIṬAKA BUDDHABHADRA OF INDIA

TOGETHER WITH ŚRAMAṆA FAXIAN, TRANSLATED DURING THE EASTERN JIN DYNASTY

Reviewed for meaning by: Thích Đỗng Minh