Lzh Mi Bi Pm Pc 206Adorning like a wife

Discourse on Adorning Oneself Like a Wife

Lzh Mi Bi Pm Pc 206 - Vinaya Piṭaka Section

Background

This discourse is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkhasaṅgaha, the collection of basic disciplinary rules of the Buddhist Sangha. According to the early Pāli tradition, the Vinaya Piṭaka was developed on the basis of concrete actions in monastic life, from which the Buddha established regulations to protect the purity of monks and nuns and maintain harmony in the community of practice.

The title “Adorning Oneself Like a Wife” indicates a situation concerning the dress and adornment of those who have gone forth. In the context of ancient India, propriety in appearance was regarded as an expression of moral quality and mental disposition. The Buddha taught that those who have gone forth from the world must separate themselves from forms of adornment and fashion characteristic of those still caught in sexual desire.

Main Content

This rule refers to the prohibition against bhikkhunīs adorning the body in the way that a worldly woman does to attract the attention of others, especially to increase sexual attractiveness. Acts such as using flowers, perfume, or other materials for adornment in a manner similar to a wife preparing her appearance to attract her husband are regarded as violations of purity.

The discourse does not simply prohibit maintaining bodily hygiene; this is part of basic care. What is prohibited is the motive and manner: when adornment is performed to arouse desire or to maintain worldly attractiveness. In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, offenses against such standards are usually classified by degree, from minor faults (Dukkaṭa) to more serious offenses (Pārājika or Saṅghādisesa), depending on the specific circumstances.

This regulation reflects a basic principle of the Vinaya Piṭaka: those who have gone forth relinquish worldly benefits, including sexual attractiveness.