Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Pc 73Pubic Hair
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sambādhaloma
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SAMBĀDHALOMA SUTTA (Pubic Hair)
Background
The Vinaya Piṭaka is a collection of disciplinary and ethical regulations for those who have gone forth in the early Buddhist tradition. In these texts, there are detailed rules concerning bodily hygiene and self-care for bhikkhus. The Sambādhaloma Sutta is found in the Pātimokkha, that is, the basic training rules that every bhikkhu must observe.
Although outwardly this sutta resembles rules for daily life, it actually reflects the deeper philosophy of Buddhism: the practice of humane discipline and self-awareness. The Buddha did not merely forbid, but guided his disciples according to the Dharma. Regulations concerning bodily hygiene are a means to preserve purity, both physical and mental.
Main Content
The Sambādhaloma Sutta concerns the care of intimate hair, the hair in private areas of the body. According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, a bhikkhu should always maintain cleanliness, including trimming or shaving body hair. However, this is not to be done out of greed or delight in beauty (rūpa-taṇhā), but to maintain hygiene and decorum worthy of the monastic name.
The sutta stipulates that bhikkhus should pay attention to shaving or cutting hair on the arms, legs, armpits, and other parts of the body so that loose hair does not cling to under-robes or surrounding areas. This is regarded as part of sīla, the discipline of self-restraint in action, not for aesthetic reasons or for display.
Bhikkhus are permitted to use knives, scissors, or other suitable tools for this purpose. What matters, however, is the intention in practice: a pure mind and respect for the rules of the Sangha, not desire or lax habits.
Practical Meaning
On the surface level, this sutta guides personal hygiene. On a deeper level, it symbolizes the process of cleansing the mind.
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