Lzh Mu Bi Pm Pc 166Scents and Colors
Pāli / Sanskrit:Gandhavaṇṇaka
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THE GANDHAVAṆṆAKA SUTTA: SCENTS AND COLORS
Background
The Gandhavaṇṇaka Sutta (Scents and Colors) is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, an essential part of the Theravāda teaching. The Vinaya Piṭaka not only sets out prohibitions, but also reflects the Buddha’s sensitivity to practical issues in the community of monks and nuns. This sutta arises from specific situations related to the use of fragrances, perfumes, and substances for adorning the outward body within the monastic community.
The historical background shows that in India during the Buddha’s time, the use of scents and colors was not merely a matter of hygiene or cosmetics, but was connected with worldly habits, especially among those seeking display or sensual desire. The Buddha established clear principles so that bhikkhus might practice with alertness and preserve the pure conduct (sīla) intact.
Main Content
The Gandhavaṇṇaka Sutta discusses the use of fragrance (gandha) and coloring substances (vaṇṇa) in the life of one who has gone forth. The discipline teaches that bhikkhus should not wear garments adorned with bright colors or use alluring fragrances, because these easily arouse desire and draw one away from the simple spirit of the path.
Specifically, the Buddha relied on the principle of "disciplinary protection" (vinaya) to instruct: the Dharma robes of bhikkhus should be plain, practical, and not in need of illusory pleasures. Precious fragrances, perfumes, and scented oils are for those who still live in the world. One who has gone forth, having left behind family, property, and social standing, finds that seeking satisfaction through sense objects such as smell or color is only a return to old obsessions.
The discipline also points out specific situations: if a bhikkhu uses fragrance to treat illness, or uses natural colors to cover a wound, this is not an offense.
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