Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Pc 73Pubic Hair

Sambādhaloma Discourse (Excess Hair)

Background

The Sambādhaloma discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pācittiya section (offenses requiring confession). The regulations in this section all concern violations that bhikkhus and bhikkhunī must admit and confess before the Sangha. This discourse arose from the context in which the Buddha taught his disciples to care for the body carefully, in order to avoid actions that might disturb the mind or offend the ethics of the monastic community.

The Sambādhaloma discourse specifically concerns the removal or loss of body hair. In the context of practicing the Buddhist Dharma, care for the body must be carried out in a spirit of simplicity, without display, and with avoidance of actions that may lead to craving, sensual desire, or pride. These regulations reflect the principle that a monastic should not pay excessive attention to bodily appearance or beauty.

Main Content

According to the tradition of the Pāli Canon, the rule on Sambādhaloma states that if a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī intentionally removes body hair by certain methods, such as using the hand, using an instrument, or other means, they commit a Pācittiya offense. This offense is not as grave as Pārājika (offenses that cause loss of monastic status) or Saṅghādisesa (offenses requiring confession before the Sangha), but it is still a significant violation of monastic law.

The important point is that intention (cetanā) plays the decisive role. If a monastic accidentally loses hair while bathing or in ordinary activities, that is not a violation. However, intentionally removing hair for the purpose of making the body “more beautiful” or following worldly habits is an action not in accord with the virtue of a monastic. This discourse emphasizes that monastics should avoid actions that appear to maintain beauty or attachment to the body.