Lzh Mi Bi Vb Pc 208Looking at Oneself in Mirror
Pāli / Sanskrit:Looking at oneself in mirror
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Discourse on Looking at Oneself in a Mirror — Vinaya Exposition
Background
This discourse is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, especially in the Pātimokkha section, the basic prohibitions that bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs must observe. This discourse belongs to the Pācittiya class, offenses requiring confession, lighter than Pārājika but still requiring confession and correction.
The physical background of the discourse concerns the use of a mirror, an everyday object by which bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs may make their appearance orderly. Yet this discourse is not only about careful skill in personal hygiene, but goes deeply into the ethical ideal: how to practice purity and mindfulness in every activity, however small.
Main Content
According to the Pāli Canon tradition, the discourse on looking at oneself in a mirror refers to a specific rule: when a bhikkhu uses a mirror to look at himself, this act should not be motivated by vanity or personal aesthetics in a greedy way. Instead, looking in the mirror should be done with a simple intention and with full attention focused on the practical nature of the act.
Specifically, this rule instructs that making one’s appearance orderly is for maintaining proper cleanliness, serving respect for the Sangha and the image of one gone forth. However, if a bhikkhu looks in the mirror with self-love or admiration for the body, this becomes a Pācittiya offense.
The discourse emphasizes that the essential purpose of looking in a mirror is to check and be mindful, reminding oneself: “This is an impermanent body, not mine, not I, not my self” (anicca, anattā). This is an opportunity to practice contemplation (vipassanā) and cultivate insight.
Practical Meaning
From the Theravāda perspective, this discourse teaches us that no action is so small that it is unworthy of practicing mindfulness (sati).
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