San Mu Bu Pm GBM 3 Sk 16Covering the Head
Pāli / Sanskrit:Oguṇṭhita
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The Oguṇṭhita Discourse (The Discourse on Covering the Head)
Background
The Oguṇṭhita discourse (Pāli: Oguṇṭhita, from “oguna” = covering, “ṭhita” = standing, sitting) is part of the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition of the Buddha-Dharma. In the context of the early Buddhist Sangha, this discourse refers to a disciplinary rule concerning the attitude of respect and the proper conduct of bhikkhus in activities of practice and communal life.
The Vinaya Piṭaka was promulgated by the Buddha not to constrain, but to protect the Sangha, build a wholesome environment, and help practitioners focus on the purpose of liberation. The rule concerning “covering the head” reflects a small but significant aspect of the life of monastics: respect toward the teaching, teachers, and fellow practitioners.
Main Content
In this context, the Buddha established rules concerning how bhikkhus may cover or not cover the head in different circumstances. Specifically, this rule emphasizes that when a bhikkhu is attending meetings of the Sangha, making offerings for Buddhism, or present at Dharma teachings, covering the head is not in accord with accepted discipline.
This principle reflects the idea that a bhikkhu should always maintain an attitude of alertness, readiness, and respect. Covering the head in such circumstances may be understood as a form of disrespect or inattention. However, in other situations such as protection from bad weather, rain or sun, covering the head is permitted.
This rule is also related to the concepts of “ascetic conduct” and “mindfulness in practice.” Bhikkhus are expected to maintain proper postures in walking, standing, sitting, and lying down, and an alert countenance, neither covering themselves nor being heedless, in order to express respect for the Buddha-Dharma and their religious community.
Practical Meaning
The Oguṇṭhita discourse teaches us a lesson about vigilance (appamāda).
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