San Lo Bi Pn 29Making Jasmine Garlands

Explanation of San Lo Bi Pn 29: Jasmine Clusters

Background

The discourse Sumanā-granthikā-pratisaṁyuktaṁ (Jasmine Clusters) is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, reflecting the historical period when the Buddha Shakyamuni was teaching the Dharma. Regulations concerning clothing, practice, and the appearance of monks and nuns were issued by the Buddha step by step, in response to specific circumstances that arose.

This discourse records an event related to the manner of hanging decorations or wearing objects, specifically jasmine clusters (sumanā, jasmine, a fragrant flower of ancient India). The context arose when some bhikkhus or bhikkhunīs began using jasmine clusters in ways unsuitable to the renunciant life. This led the Buddha to set forth regulations to protect the purity and dignity of the Sangha body.

Main Content

Through the Pātimokkha, the Buddha saw that decorations with flowers, especially jasmine clusters, could stir up sensual desire, craving for beauty, or conditions for inappropriate conduct. Male and female monastics began bringing jasmine flowers into the monastery, wearing them on the body, or arranging them in suggestive ways, arousing attachment and unnecessary attention.

This passage establishes that renunciants should not adorn themselves with flower clusters or garlands, because such actions go against the spirit of renouncing outward beauty and cultivating inner reality. The basic principle is that one who has gone forth should focus on training the mind, not on beautifying the body or seeking the assessment of others.

The discourse does not entirely prohibit the use of flowers, but forbids using flowers for personal adornment, especially in ways that may lead to conceit (mada) or create comparison with others. This reflects the principle of avoiding luxury (vilāsa), which bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs should avoid.