Lzh Mi Bi Vb Pc 158Jewellery
Pāli / Sanskrit:Itthālaṅkāra
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Sutra on Jewelry (Itthālaṅkāra)
Background
This sutra belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Pāli Canon of the Theravada Buddhist tradition. The Vinaya Pitaka is the canonical section containing the disciplinary precepts for the community of monks and nuns. Its purpose is not to punish, but to build a disciplined community of practice that preserves the Dharma and the proper ethics for those who have gone forth.
The Sutra on Jewelry (Itthālaṅkāra) addresses the issue of women using ornaments such as bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and other adornments of the body. This is one of the Vinaya sections (Pācittiya), violations for which, when fault has occurred, the practitioner must confess to the monastic community. This content reflects a basic principle of Buddhism: simplicity in the way of life and avoidance of things that arouse sensual desire.
Main Content
The basic principle proposed by this sutra is that female monastics (bhikkhunīs), as well as the practicing Buddhist community, should avoid elaborate jewelry. Bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and other ornaments are regarded as expressions of sensual desire and attachment to outward form.
This rule does not arise from authoritarian thinking, but from a deep purpose: to help practitioners lessen attention to outward appearance and thereby concentrate on spiritual cultivation. When a monastic adorns herself or wears excessive jewelry, this can attract attention from others and create conditions for sensual desire and hatred to arise.
The sutra subtly distinguishes between things necessary for hygiene and health and things meant only for beautification or attracting attention. Some simple adornments that serve a practical function, such as tying the hair to keep it neat, are allowed, but things luxurious or sexually suggestive are prohibited.
Practical Meaning
In modern practice, this sutra is not meant to promote harshness about appearance, but to educate about the state of mind.
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