Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Sk 93Covering the Head
Pāli / Sanskrit:Oguṇṭhita
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The Discourse on Covering the Head (Oguṇṭhita)
Background
The Discourse on Covering the Head is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the section on discipline and customs of religious conduct in the monastic community. The background of this discourse arose from specific situations in the monastic community during the Buddha’s time, when questions of attitude, respect, and spirit in practice appeared. This discourse is not a doctrinal sermon but a rule of conduct, reflecting the Buddha’s concern for details that may sometimes seem small but are in fact very important for spiritual development.
Covering the head or face in the context of early Buddhism is often related either to an attitude of respect or, conversely, to contempt and self-indulgence. This rule protects an ethical standard within the community of centered practice, where every action carries spiritual meaning.
Main Content
The Oguṇṭhita discourse concerns the rule on covering the head or face when appearing before or interacting with those of higher standing, especially when encountering the Buddha or teachers. According to the Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka, arbitrarily covering the face or head without a proper reason is regarded as showing disrespect or laziness in practice.
Specifically, the discourse stipulates that bhikkhus should not cover their heads or faces when standing before the Buddha or listening to the Dharma, because this action may be understood as avoidance, conceit, or a sign of an impure mind. This reflects the principle that, in Buddhism, transparency and respect are foundations of communal practice.
This rule is also related to the concepts of “samadhi” (concentration) and “sati” (mindfulness). When one covers the head and face arbitrarily, the practitioner may lose alertness and easily fall into a dreamy or self-indulgent state. Therefore, the prohibition against covering the head is not only a matter of form, but also a tool for maintaining a clear and attentive state of mind.
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