Lzh Mu Bi Pm Sk 83Covering the Head
Pāli / Sanskrit:Oguṇṭhita
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
An Explanation of the Sutta on Covering the Head (Oguṇṭhita)
Background
The Oguṇṭhita Sutta is a rule belonging to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon in the Theravāda tradition. Its content concerns rules of dress, especially the covering of the head by bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs during religious activities.
In the Vinaya Piṭaka, rules regarding clothing are not merely practical matters but also carry deep significance concerning respect, inner discipline, and the maintenance of a proper image of the Sangha. The Buddha’s establishment of these rules arose from specific situations encountered by disciples, in order to educate the Sangha community in a pure and dignified way of life.
The Oguṇṭhita Sutta refers to the situation in which a bhikkhu covers his head during activities such as listening to discourses, speaking, or participating in Sangha rituals. This is one of the flexible details that nevertheless must be understood in order to grasp the carefulness required in the conduct of one gone forth.
Main Content
According to the regulations in the Vinaya Piṭaka, a bhikkhu’s manner of dress reflects an attitude of reverence and attention to circumstances. Covering the head in certain contexts is carefully considered by the Buddha and the elders. This rule states that a bhikkhu should not cover his head in a manner that is too loose or inappropriate when participating in Sangha activities.
Specifically, when a bhikkhu is listening to the Buddhadharma being taught, participating in Sangha meetings, or taking part in solemn rituals, the covering of the head must be done respectfully and with control. If the head is covered too closely, or in a way that prevents one from quickly noticing when something occurs, this may be regarded as disrespectful or inattentive.
This rule is not an absolute prohibition, but a guideline for appropriate conduct.
🌏 The Buddhist canon is vast — some sūtras (such as comparative Vinaya across schools, or untranslated Tibetan-canon texts) have to this day NEVER been translated into Vietnamese or English by anyone, scholars included. Rather than leave it blank, Inti AI offers a FAITHFUL summary grounded in the tradition — from the sūtra's title, origin and essence — so you can still reach this rare part of the treasury. Whenever an original translation exists, the app shows the original first.
Translations belong to the translator/source credited above. The bilingual compilation, presentation, and AI translations compiled by Inti are © Inti Foundation. Please attribute when quoting; do not bulk-copy or use commercially without permission.