Lzh Mi Bi Pm Pc 159Growing hair

Explanation of the Discourse "Growing Hair"

Background

The discourse "Growing Hair" is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pācittiya section, minor prohibitions that nevertheless require confession. This is one of the most detailed disciplinary rules that the Buddha Śākyamuni established for monks and nuns.

This context arose during the development of Buddhism in ancient India. As the Sangha, the monastic community, grew stronger, issues of conduct and internal discipline became more complex. The Buddha did not only set out basic rules, but also detailed regulations suited to the context of that time, in order to maintain the purity of the Sangha and help monastics focus on practice.

The Vinaya Piṭaka of early Buddhism (Theravāda) is preserved in Pāli, a language regarded as closest to the original speech of the Buddha. These rules are not arbitrary controls, but guidelines intended to help monastics regulate themselves and develop noble character.

Main Content

The discourse "Growing Hair" concerns monastics cutting or shaving the hair. According to the Sangha tradition, cutting the hair short or shaving it completely is a symbol of renunciation of the world and commitment to practice. The rule states that monastics should not let their hair grow long carelessly or deliberately wear it long like laypeople, because this violates the spirit of renunciation.

However, this discourse also permits exceptional cases. If a monastic is ill and unable to shave the hair, or if objective circumstances require the hair to grow for a certain time, this is not an offense. The key point is intention and carefulness. If a monastic deliberately lets the hair grow long in order to make an impression or ignores the rule, this is a Pācittiya offense, a fault requiring confession before the Sangha.

This discourse reflects a profound principle in Buddhist discipline: not every action is wrong in itself; wrongness also depends on intention (cetanā) and context.