Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Pc 164Scents and Colors
Pāli / Sanskrit:Gandhavaṇṇaka
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The Gandhavaṇṇaka Scripture (Scents and Colors)
Background
The Gandhavaṇṇaka scripture belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda tradition, the Pāli Canon, specifically the Pātimokkha section. This is a disciplinary regulation related to the bounds that bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs need to observe in daily life and practice.
The Vinaya Piṭaka was compiled after the First Council, with the purpose of recording the Buddha’s teachings on discipline and the management of the monastic community. It reflects the depth of Theravāda Buddhism in building a community of practice with clear rules, not arbitrary restrictions, but skillful guidance helping monastics avoid actions harmful to the mind and virtue.
Main Content
The regulation on scents (gandha) and colors (vaṇṇa) in this scripture refers to the use of decorative substances such as perfume, fragrant oils, and objects with striking colors. Specifically, bhikkhus are not permitted to adorn themselves with fragrant substances or use articles of excessively conspicuous color, because this is regarded as ornamentation inappropriate to the renunciant life.
This regulation is not due to prejudice against beauty or denial of human dignity, but arises from deep reasons of practice. When monastics continue to decorate themselves, the mind easily falls into desires concerning appearance, pride in outward form, and ambitions related to reputation or the attention of others. These factors become obstacles to the practice of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Cattāro Satipaṭṭhānā) and the Noble Eightfold Path (Ariyamagga).
The Vinaya Piṭaka records that the Buddha stated these rules in order to contribute to inner purity and concentration of mind (samādhi). Through giving up adornments and self-decoration, bhikkhus learn to free the mind from distractions and cravings.
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