San Lo Bi Pn 4Hip Ornaments

Explanation of the Hip Ornaments Sutta (San Lo Bi Pn 4)

Background

This discourse is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, specifically in the Pāṭimokkha, the rules of practice, under San Lo Bi Pn (Sanghādisesa, rules requiring the assembly of the Sangha). The Vinaya Piṭaka is a precious record of regulations concerning monastic discipline in the early Buddhist community.

The original Pāli title “śroṇi-bhaṇḍaka-pratisaṁyuktaṁ” (Hip Ornaments) refers to adornments or objects worn on the hips, specifically rings, straps, or ornaments. This discourse was compiled to address issues arising in the community of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs concerning the manner of using and wearing bodily ornaments.

Main Content

San Lo Bi Pn 4 addresses an ethical issue concerning the habits of some renunciants: wearing ornaments or creating conditions for the body to become aesthetically attractive. This runs counter to the spirit of renunciant practice, namely abandoning sensual desires, training in humility, and removing elements that arouse desire.

The discourse teaches that a practitioner should not use or encourage the wearing of objects for adornment or to make oneself more alluring. This includes bracelets, decorated belts, or any other kind of jewelry. Such an act is regarded as a violation of the Sanghādisesa rule, offenses that require confession before the Sangha and the performance of proper rites of repentance.

The deeper reason is this: one who has gone forth has abandoned household life, property, and sensual pleasures in order to pursue the goal of liberation. Any act intended to make oneself attractive or to maintain influence through outward appearance creates an obstacle to inward cultivation.

Practical Meaning

In the context of modern practice, San Lo Bi Pn 4 reminds us of the importance of practice that takes the inward dimension as primary.