Mpt Sk 87Noṣṇīṣaśirase
Pāli / Sanskrit:Noṣṇīṣaśirase
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
Exposition of the Noṣṇīṣaśirase Sutta
Background
The Noṣṇīṣaśirase Sutta is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, the Pāli Canon, in the Suttavibhaṅga or Vibhaṅga section, the detailed analysis of monastic rules. This sutta concerns regulations on conduct in the communal life of monks and nuns, especially matters of behavior and internal discipline within the Sangha.
The background for the arising of this sutta comes from specific situations that occurred during the Buddha’s lifetime. The Buddha, in response to violations or questions from disciples, gave teachings and laid down disciplinary regulations in order to protect the purity of the Sangha and help bhikkhus practice the path properly.
Main Content
The title Noṣṇīṣaśirase means “concerning a cap or head covering” (noṣṇīṣa: cap, personal adornment, crown; śirase: on the head). This sutta deals with regulations related to clothing, especially objects worn on or covering the head, as well as the manner of conduct when wearing clothing in different contexts.
In Theravāda Buddhism, the clothing of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs is very important. It is not only a symbol of renunciation, but also expresses respect for the Teaching, simplicity, and the relinquishment of crafted adornments. Rules concerning clothing are regarded as an indispensable part of the Pātimokkha, the 227 or 311 disciplinary rules.
The Noṣṇīṣaśirase Sutta teaches that monastics should not wear luxurious garments, cover the head with inappropriate items, or adorn themselves in order to seek respect from others. Such actions are considered violations of the spirit of practice and breaches of the regulations of monastic discipline.
Practical Meaning
The deeper meaning of this sutta lies in its emphasis on the importance of simplicity and the relinquishment of ambition regarding outward appearance.
🌏 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.