Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Pc 168Brushing Hair
Pāli / Sanskrit:Brushing hair
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The Scripture on Brushing Hair (Brushing Hair)
Background
The Scripture on Brushing Hair belongs to the Pācittiya section in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically within the code for bhikkhunīs, nuns. It is one of the detailed regulations intended to guide women practitioners in maintaining the body in a way suitable to the spirit of renunciation.
The background of the scripture concerns the need for bhikkhunīs to observe rules on personal hygiene and bodily care without falling into infatuation or pride regarding appearance. In the time when the Buddha was living, maintaining balance between reasonable hygiene and abandoning excessive attention to appearance was extremely important. The Vinaya Piṭaka was established to protect the purity of the fourfold assembly and preserve the noble practice.
Main Content
The Scripture on Brushing Hair stipulates that bhikkhunīs are not permitted to brush their hair too often or at inappropriate occasions. Specifically, the act of brushing hair must observe moderation and be carried out at proper times. Brushing hair should not be done with the intention of making the hair look beautiful outwardly, but should only be for hygiene and basic health care.
This rule is also related to the principle of not displaying sensuality (kāma-samugghāta) in practice. Hair is considered an important part of appearance, and excessive attention to beautifying hair may lead to states of pride or worldly desire. Therefore, the Buddha limited the act of brushing hair to help practitioners keep the mind steady in practice and avoid being tempted by attention to appearance.
In addition, the scripture reflects respect for the overall principles of the Vinaya Piṭaka, in which detailed regulations are not meant to constrain, but to help practitioners understand more clearly the nature of abandoning worldly ambition.
Practical Meaning
The deep meaning of the Scripture on Brushing Hair lies in teaching moderation and clear awareness (sampajañña) in each daily action.
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