Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Pc 161Adorning like a wife
Pāli / Sanskrit:Adorning like a wife
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The Discourse on Adorning Like a Wife
From the Traditional Pāli Vinaya Piṭaka
Background
This discourse is recorded in the Pācittiya section (offenses requiring confession) of the Vinaya Piṭaka and reflects the context of the Sangha community in the time of the Buddha. In the early period of the Teaching, bhikkhunīs had to rely on specific precedents in order to establish discipline. This code was founded to protect the purity and preserve the character of renunciants, especially bhikkhunīs.
The rule in this case concerns the dress and adornment of women monastics. The Buddha instructed that those who go forth to pursue the Dharma should abandon worldly habits, including makeup and adornment for the purpose of enhancing bodily beauty. This discourse emphasizes the clear stance of the Buddha-Dharma regarding necessary restraints in the religious life of women.
Main Content
The title "Adorning Like a Wife" suggests that bhikkhunīs are warned not to adorn themselves or dress like worldly women, especially in ways intended to enhance beauty or attractiveness. A rule was established to prevent this action, because such conduct runs contrary to the spirit of renunciation (nekkhamma).
The Pācittiya rule in this case is regarded as concerning preliminary acts that pollute the monastic life of one gone forth. It is not the most serious violation, but it must be removed and publicly confessed before the Sangha community (pācittiya). This rule applies to all bhikkhunīs, without distinction of age or progress in practice.
The practical context may have been that bhikkhunīs used ornaments, nail coloring, or other decorations ordinarily seen among worldly women still attached to lay life. Such actions are considered violations of the vow to abandon worldly pleasures and excessive care for outward appearance.
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