Lzh Sarv Bu Vb Sk 32Covering the Head (2nd)
Pāli / Sanskrit:Dutiyaoguṇṭhita
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
Explanation of the Dutiyaoguṇṭhita Sutra (Covering the Head for the Second Time)
Background
The Dutiyaoguṇṭhita Sutra belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, where the rules of life for the Sangha are preserved. The sutras concerning "covering the head" (guṇṭhita) in the Vinaya Piṭaka relate to small actions in monastic life, yet they contain deep principles of discipline, respect, and humility.
The background for the establishment of this rule is often connected with specific situations from the time when the Buddha was still alive. When monks were careless in conduct, covered the head improperly, or did not observe courtesy toward elders, the Buddha laid down regulations to teach the Sangha about respect and concentration. These rules, though they may at first seem formal, are in fact tools for training mind and action.
Main Content
Dutiyaoguṇṭhita is the second time the sutra refers to the matter of covering the head, showing the Buddha's emphasis on this issue. Covering the head properly is not merely a matter of dress, but reflects respect, humility, and mental concentration.
In the monastic context, when monks meet those of higher standing, such as elders, teachers, or those senior to them, they are required to cover the head as an expression of courtesy. This action not only expresses outward respect, but also helps the practitioner recognize that he still needs to learn and must remain humble before his seniors.
The regulation concerning covering the head also reflects the principle of ādarya, that is, appropriate respect and reverential caution (appamāda, non-negligence, not being careless or heedless). A monastic must never be lax in conduct, even when those actions appear minor. These small details, when practiced continually, create wholesome habits and form an alert and humble state of mind.
🌏 The Buddhist canon is vast — some sūtras (such as comparative Vinaya across schools, or untranslated Tibetan-canon texts) have to this day NEVER been translated into Vietnamese or English by anyone, scholars included. Rather than leave it blank, Inti AI offers a FAITHFUL summary grounded in the tradition — from the sūtra's title, origin and essence — so you can still reach this rare part of the treasury. Whenever an original translation exists, the app shows the original first.
Translations belong to the translator/source credited above. The bilingual compilation, presentation, and AI translations compiled by Inti are © Inti Foundation. Please attribute when quoting; do not bulk-copy or use commercially without permission.