Lzh Mi Bu Vb Sk 92Covering the Head
Pāli / Sanskrit:Oguṇṭhita
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Commentary on the Oguṇṭhita Sutta (Covering the Head)
Background
The Oguṇṭhita Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, in the section governing the discipline of the monastic community. In the Theravāda tradition, the Vinaya Piṭaka is not merely a collection of dry rules, but an expression of respect, self-restraint, and communal awareness in the journey of practice.
The context in which this sutta arose relates to regulations concerning the attire and proper conduct of bhikkhus (monks) and bhikkhunis (nuns). The covering of the head is not a matter of mere aesthetics or personal comfort, but concerns respect for the Dharma, the expression of reverence, and the safeguarding of one's spiritual training. The conditions set forth in this sutta reflect the Buddha's deep understanding of human psychology and the social environment of his time.
Main Content
The Oguṇṭhita Sutta (Covering the Head) addresses cases in which bhikkhus or bhikkhunis cover their heads while walking about, or do so carelessly in particular situations. The rules draw a clear distinction between different circumstances—such as covering the head for reasons of weather (rain or sun), for reasons of health, or for purposes that are not appropriate.
According to the Theravāda Vinaya, for a bhikkhu to cover his head completely while walking or while in a public place is considered improper, as it may manifest as concealment of oneself, a lack of transparency, or an expression of pride. However, the sutta also permits reasonable exceptions—such as when the weather is severe, or when the monastic is ill.
The important point is that the Theravāda Vinaya does not censure the covering of the head when done from a legitimate motivation, but rather indicates that there are times and circumstances in which doing so is appropriate and necessary.
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