Lzh Mi Bi Pm Pc 160Keeping long hair
Pāli / Sanskrit:Keeping long hair
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Explanation of the Discourse: Keeping Long Hair
Background
This discourse is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, in the Khandaka, the rules of communal life for the Sangha. It is one of the prohibitions in the Pātimokkha for bhikkhus, those who have gone forth to study and practice the Buddha-Dharma.
The context in which this prohibition arose concerns the distinction between household life and renunciant life. One who has gone forth must clearly show, through outward appearance, the relinquishment of worldly preferences. In the time of the Buddha, some bhikkhus were attached to worldly sensuality and still kept long hair like laypeople in order to maintain an attractive appearance. Therefore, the Blessed Buddha established this prohibition to preserve the purity of the Sangha and clarify the sign of renunciation.
The Vinaya Piṭaka is the most important part of the Three Baskets (Tipiṭaka), because it is the foundation that maintains the discipline of the monastic community, allowing the Buddhist dispensation to endure through generations.
Main Content
The prohibition on keeping long hair states that bhikkhus are not permitted to let their hair grow long. Long hair is understood as hair exceeding the prescribed length, usually more than two finger-breadths, or approximately one inch. This is not a most serious offense, such as Pārājika or Saṅghādisesa, but a Dukkaṭa, a minor fault that still requires confession and correction.
When a bhikkhu's hair exceeds the permitted length, he has the responsibility to cut it immediately. Keeping long hair is regarded as conduct contrary to the spirit of renunciation, a warning that the practitioner's mind still longs for sensuality and appearance.
This rule does not discriminate according to hair color, ethnicity, or age. All bhikkhus must observe it. The purpose is not to humiliate or create hardship for practitioners, but to maintain independence from bonds that still remain in the mind.
Practical Meaning
In practical terms, keeping the hair short has deep significance on the path of practice.
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