San Sarv Bu Pm Tf 11 Sk 95Headdresses

The Veṭhita Sutta (Head Coverings)

Background

The Veṭhita Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha section of the Vinaya. These are the rules of monastic discipline established by the Buddha Gotama for the monastic community (Saṃgha). These prohibitions are listed in order to protect diligent practice and maintain the purity of the Dharma.

The Veṭhita Sutta concerns items used to cover or bind the head (veṭhita = things wound or wrapped). In the context of the Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka, rules about clothing and personal requisites of monks and nuns are not only practical matters but also reflect the spirit of renunciation (nekkhamma), avoiding adornment or attachment to outward appearance. Every small detail is directed toward the highest goal: liberating the mind from sensory stimuli and attaining nirvana.

Main Content

The Veṭhita Sutta outlines restrictions concerning the use of cloths, hats, or protective head coverings that bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs are not permitted to own or use inappropriately. Specifically, these items should not be made of overly fine materials, should not be ornamental, should not have bright colors, and should not be elaborately decorated.

This rule originates from specific events when the Buddha discovered that some bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs were paying attention to adorning themselves, using luxurious head coverings as a way to exalt the self or attract the attention of others. This is contrary to the spirit of the noble path.

The specific rules include: head coverings must be minimal and used only for practical purposes, such as protection from sun or rain; they must absolutely not be made of precious materials such as gold, silver, or other valuable substances; they must not be used to display status or social class within the Saṃgha. Bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs should wear only items appropriate to the monastic life of those who have renounced the world.