Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Pc 170Combing Hair
Pāli / Sanskrit:Combing hair
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The Scripture on Combing Hair (Combing Hair)
Background
In the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, the Vinaya Piṭaka records the training rules of monks and nuns, not only to protect discipline within the Sangha but also to educate in ethics, transform the spirit, and govern habits born of ignorance. The Scripture on Combing Hair belongs to the Pātimokkha Nissaggiya Pācittiya, offenses requiring confession and forfeiture, reflecting the Buddha’s attention to the daily activities of monks and nuns, even things that seem harmless.
The regulations concerning combing hair arose from specific situations in the history of the Sangha, when monks and nuns in the Buddha’s lifetime had modes of conduct connected with personal hygiene. The Buddha did not absolutely forbid combing hair, a natural hygienic need, but prescribed conditions and limits to avoid indulgence, vanity, and wasting time meant for practice.
Main Content
In the Vinaya Piṭaka context, the regulation concerning combing hair relates to protecting the faith of the fourfold assembly, monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen, as well as preserving the image of a renunciant. A monastic should not comb the hair too often or in a sensual manner, because this can create an opportunity for attachment to sensual form to arise, contrary to the nature of renunciation, which seeks to transcend such lower preoccupations.
The scripture stipulates that combing hair should be done with mindfulness, not as entertainment or self-pleasing activity. If a monastic combs the hair in order to make oneself look more beautiful, to attract attention, or to impress others, this is considered a violation. Even asking another person to comb one’s hair, or combing someone else’s hair with a wrong intention, is not encouraged, because it creates occasions for states such as greed (lobha), hatred (dosa), or delusion (moha) to develop.
This rule reflects a broader principle in the Vinaya Piṭaka: monks and nuns should live a simple, unconcealed life, fully transparent in daily actions.
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