Lzh Mi Bi Vb Pc 180Pubic Hair
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sambādhaloma
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Explanation of the Sambādhaloma Sutta (Hair on the Body)
Background
The Sambādhaloma Sutta belongs to the Pācittiya rules (Basic Rules Requiring Confession), the fourth division of the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda tradition. These are prohibitions whose violation requires confession before the Sangha, either publicly or privately depending on the nature of the offense.
This sutta is recorded in the context of the Buddha’s establishment of training rules for the community of monks and nuns, in order to protect a modest way of life, avoid greed, and maintain a pure bearing. During the formation of the Sangha, the Buddha gradually completed the rules in response to specific situations caused by his disciples.
This reflects the philosophy of the Buddhist teaching: rules are not issued from above as absolutes, but arise from practical need, based on understanding the nature of greed, hatred, and delusion in the human mind.
Main Content
Sambādhaloma (sambādha = closely joined; loma = hair) refers to combing, shaving, or removing hair growing on close parts of the body apart from the permitted places, such as shaving the head and beard.
This rule forbids bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs from doing it themselves, or having others remove hair from the whole body by unnecessary or injurious methods. The main rule is: hair may be removed only from areas prescribed by the Vinaya, such as the head and face; the rest is to be accepted naturally. If this is violated, the bhikkhu must confess.
With regard to other parts of the body where hair grows, deliberately and repeatedly shaving them clean is regarded as attachment to appearance, unfitting for the pure path of the renunciant life. This is not about basic hygiene, but about a mind at ease and the relinquishing of anxiety over outward appearance.
Practical Meaning
The Sambādhaloma Sutta is not a trivial rule about hygiene, but a profound lesson in letting go of craving (taṇhā). Those who practice in solitude, living in forests or monasteries, need not pay excessive attention to outward appearance.
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