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Early Schools · Comparative Canon · Comparative Vinaya — Chinese

Lzh Mu Bi Vb Pc 74Pubic Hair

Pāli / Sanskrit:Sambādhaloma

📖297 words · ~1 min read
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Interpreted by Inti AI (English)
🪷 AI interpretation

SAMBĀDHALOMA SUTTA (REMOVING EYELASHES)

Background

This clause is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Patimokkha, the basic code for bhikkhus. The Vinaya Piṭaka is the first legal achievement developed by the disciples of the Buddha to maintain integrated discipline and create conditions for the long-term growth of the monastic community (Saṅgha).

The regulation concerning the removal of eyelashes (sambādhaloma) arises from the principle of the holy life of the Saṅgha. The Buddha not only taught the path of liberation of the mind (Dhamma), but also established rules concerning care of the body in accord with a humble way of life. This helps bhikkhus avoid actions that may be regarded as adornment or excessive concern with appearance, thereby preserving purity of mind.

This rule is recorded in the context of the Buddha and senior disciples frequently observing and correcting specific behaviors so that they would accord with the spirit of practice. Regulations concerning hygiene and care of the body may seem minor, but in fact they are aspects of education in mindfulness and self-discipline.

Main Content

Sambādhaloma refers to removing eyelashes or facial hair. According to the Patimokkha, for a bhikkhu to remove eyelashes by hand with sharp instruments is regarded as a Pācittiya offense, a minor offense requiring confession. This rule is not simply for reasons of aesthetics or hygiene, but because it reflects a manner of concern with appearance considered unsuitable for the humble vows of one gone forth.

However, the rule also has exceptions: if a bhikkhu needs to remove eyelashes for medical reasons, for example when eyelashes grow into the eye and cause pain, or if sick people ask for assistance, then there are permitted ways of handling the matter with permission from the community or from senior bhikkhus.

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Translation source: Interpreted by AILicense: CC0-1.0 (Sujato) · personal-use (Minh Châu) · EN: AI translation from Vietnamese source, awaiting source English

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