Lzh Sarv Bu Pm 2 Sk 16Enter Not Smelling

Exposition of the Scripture "One Should Not Enter While Scented"

Context

This scripture comes from the Vinaya Piṭaka, the Sarvāstivāda collection or the Pāli Canon, with content related to rules of practice and dignity within the Sangha. The Vinaya Piṭaka is a collection of monastic laws and teachings on discipline, established by the Buddha to protect the community of monks and nuns and maintain the purity and worthiness of the Dharma.

In the context of practice for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs, attention to details of bodily hygiene, management of the senses, and dignity in conduct are fundamental elements. This scripture sets forth a specific guideline concerning the use of perfumes and the rules for entering sacred places or shared spaces of practice.

Main Content

"One should not enter while the scent has not been relinquished" (na paviseyya gandhena) is a warning about carefulness in maintaining cleanliness and dignity. According to the spirit of the Vinaya Piṭaka, when a monastic has applied fragrance to the body, whether for medical purposes or personal adornment, they should not enter sacred spaces such as the Bodhi hall, the Dharma hall, or places where the Sangha is assembled.

The basic reason is to maintain respect for sacred spaces and protect the concentration of those who are practicing. Fragrance, though pleasant, can distract the mind and cause other monastics to lose focus in meditation or in listening to the Dharma. This reflects a fundamental principle of the Buddha-Dharma: restraint of the sense faculties (indriya-saṃvara) so as not to be governed by them.

Furthermore, refraining from wearing fragrance before entering shared spaces expresses renunciation (virati) of useless sensual qualities (kāma), one of the basic commitments of those who have gone forth. This is also related to the five precepts (pañcasīla) and the ethical principles (sīla) that all monastics must observe.