Lzh Mu Bi Pm Sk 96Noṣṇīṣaśirase
Pāli / Sanskrit:Noṣṇīṣaśirase
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THE NOṢṆĪṢAŚIRASE SUTTA
Background
The Noṣṇīṣaśirase Sutta is a part of the Vinaya Piṭaka within the Pāli Canon, the core body of scripture of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. The Vinaya Piṭaka was compiled to guide the community of those gone forth (Saṅgha) in discipline, ethics, and rules for communal living.
The content of this sutta concerns regulations about belts, robes, and personal articles of bhikṣus and bhikṣuṇīs. Specifically, it refers to the proper use of ornaments or head-related accessories such as cloth bands wrapped around the head, hats, or forms of head covering in the context of monastic practice.
This teaching arose from specific situations in which some bhikkhus or bhikkhunīs acted in ways not in accord with the spirit of pure monastic conduct (brahmacariya), leading to the Buddha’s instruction or the compilation of lessons to prevent such transgressions.
Main Content
The Noṣṇīṣaśirase Sutta is a rule of discipline (niyama), one of the disciplinary rules intended to protect purity and order in the monastic community. It clearly regulates the way articles related to the head of the body are used and worn.
According to the Theravāda tradition, bhikkhus must preserve a modest appearance and avoid actions that are suggestive or fussy. Binding or exposing the head improperly may violate the spirit of humility (hiri - shame). Therefore, this sutta establishes clear boundaries regarding what is permitted and what is prohibited.
Specifically, these regulations include: not adorning the head in a seductive or inelegant manner; covering or arranging the hair (or the head) in a way appropriate to the nature of a practitioner; and avoiding provocative or impure actions related to the head. These rules apply equally to both male and female monastics.
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