Lzh Mu Bu Vb Sk 97Na mālāśirase

Exposition of the Na Mālāśirase Scripture

Vinaya Piṭaka - Theravāda Tradition

Context

The Na Mālāśirase scripture (Not Wearing a Garland on the Head) is part of the Vinaya Piṭaka, the collection of virtuous rules of training taught by the Buddha Gotama to the Sangha. This section is recorded in the Vibhaṅga (detailed analysis) portions of the Vinaya Piṭaka, where precepts are presented together with the historical stories that led to their establishment.

This context appears as the Buddha and his disciples traveled through different regions of ancient India. In particular situations, bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs engaged in actions or forms of dress that were not in keeping with the spirit of pure practice. The precepts were formed to guide the Sangha in restraining actions that affected the reputation of the Buddha Dharma and shook the confidence of the world toward the monastic community.

Main Content

The Na Mālāśirase scripture concerns regulations on ornaments or personal objects that a monastic should not wear. Specifically, it teaches that bhikkhus should not wear such things as flower crowns, jewelry, or ostentatious and gaudy objects meant to display personal beauty or majesty.

The reason for establishing this precept arises from a basic principle of the Vinaya: bhikkhus who have gone forth must maintain simplicity, avoiding things that evoke sensual pleasure and display. Wearing such ornaments not only contradicts the spirit of renunciation but can also arouse doubt among ordinary people, making them wonder whether monastics are truly practicing purity.

The scripture clearly states that a bhikkhu should possess only the most necessary items: three robes (tricīvara), a bowl (patta), and essential implements such as a water strainer, a sitting mat, and a belt. Everything else is considered unnecessary and creates obstacles on the path of practice.