Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Pc 160Adorning like a wife

Scripture: Adorning Oneself Like a Wife

Background

This rule is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha Saṃvara, the collection of disciplinary rules that bhikkhunīs, female bhikkhus, must observe. The scripture was established from an incident in the evening life of the monastery, when female bhikkhus applied cosmetics and adorned themselves like worldly women preparing to meet their husbands.

This was an early period in the Buddhist Sangha, when the Buddha was still living. The rules were established not to restrict freedom, but to educate mental conduct, helping bhikkhunīs maintain spiritual focus and avoid actions that could cause confusion or distraction in practice. The establishment of this rule reflects the Buddha’s deep understanding of human psychology and the factors that can transform or obstruct progress in practice.

Main Content

The rule stipulates that bhikkhunīs may not make up or adorn themselves in the way worldly women do when they wish to attract men’s attention, especially in preparation for meetings with husbands or comparable persons.

Specifically, the prohibited acts include using cosmetics to whiten the skin, powder to alter the appearance, fragrant hair oils, perfumes, shining ornaments such as bracelets and necklaces, and anything that has a sensual effect or creates an alluring impression.

The deeper reason for this rule is not contempt for human appearance, but prevention of gestures and states of mind around adornment that can give rise to sensual desire, ambition, or laxity. In the context of Buddhist practice, purity of mental conduct, free from worldly cravings, is a prerequisite for advancing toward awakening. The Vinaya therefore does not forbid basic hygiene or appropriate clothing, but only prohibits actions characterized by constructing an alluring or attractive image.

Practical Meaning

This principle directs bhikkhunīs toward inner focus rather than outward appearance.