Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Sk 31Covering the Head (2nd)

Commentary on the Dutiyaoguṇṭhita Sutta (Covering the Head — Second Time)

Background

The Dutiyaoguṇṭhita Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, the section that gives detailed regulations on discipline and conduct for renunciants. The Vinaya Piṭaka records historical events in which the Buddha and his disciples encountered real situations, from which rules were established to manage the community of monks and nuns. This text specifically concerns the issue of covering the head, an action connected with attitudes of respect and submission in the Sangha.

In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, such regulations usually arise from specific precedents. When a monastic or a group of monastics acted improperly or without appropriate respect, the Buddha would teach and set forth rules for correction. "Covering the head" (oguṇṭhita) in a religious context is often connected with covering, concealing, or even acting disrespectfully. The phrase "second time" (Dutiya) indicates that this is a development or clarification of a rule after the first instance.

Main Content

In the Vinaya Piṭaka, rules concerning bodily conduct, including how to wear robes, how to cover the body, and how to walk, are all regulated in order to maintain the dignity of monks and nuns and to express respect for the teaching as well as for others. If a monastic covers the head, perhaps with an outer robe, cloth, or another object, in inappropriate situations, such as standing before the Buddha, during Dharma instruction, or when meeting those worthy of respect, this is considered a disrespectful action.

The "second" rule may indicate that this regulation was repeated or applied in another specific context, perhaps to clarify borderline situations or cases that had caused controversy earlier. The Vinaya Piṭaka often develops in this way: a rule is established, then clarified or expanded when new situations arise.