Lzh Mu Bi Vb Pc 178Owning Wide Comb

Discourse on Owning a Wide Comb

Background

This discourse is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha Saṃvara Sutta section of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. The Vinaya Piṭaka is the collection of rules and guidelines for practice established by the Buddha for the community of monks and nuns, in order to protect the spirit of practice and maintain harmony in the community.

The Discourse on Owning a Wide Comb belongs to detailed disciplinary matters, the topic of personal requisites that bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs may own. These are not grave regulations like the main Pātimokkha rules, but belong to the Pācittiya category: offenses that can be corrected through public confession before the Sangha.

The background concerning the wide comb relates to the issue of personal property. In the early tradition, bhikkhus were permitted to own certain requisites necessary for the life of practice: robes (three robes), a water bowl, a water strainer, a razor, a belt, and a comb. However, when it becomes "wide" (understood as too large, too costly, or beyond basic need), it goes beyond the boundary of simplicity and practice.

Main Content

The discourse states that a bhikkhu should not own a comb exceeding the permitted standard size. If a bhikkhu already has a proper comb, and then acquires another wide comb (understood as larger, more decorative, or of better material), this is not in keeping with the discipline.

The offense arises when the bhikkhu knows that this comb exceeds the standard but still decides to own it. The act of possessing a requisite beyond the proper standard is regarded as a Pācittiya offense, a fault less serious than Pārājika or Saṅghādisesa, but still requiring public acknowledgment and confession.

This teaching reflects a basic principle in Buddhist practice: moderation (appicchatā). One should be content with what is basic and not pursue luxury or display.