Xct Mu Bi Pm Pc 126Jewellery
Pāli / Sanskrit:Itthālaṅkāra
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THE SUTTA ON JEWELLERY (ITTHĀLAṄKĀRA)
Background
The Sutta on Jewellery (Itthālaṅkāra) is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, the regulations concerning nuns. This sutta reflects the historical context when the Buddha Gotama was still living, when the community of nuns was developing and required specific guidance on disciplinary practice.
The matter addressed by this sutta is not ornamentation for vanity or luxury, but the practical requirements of celibate practice and the avoidance of undeserved criticism from the Buddhist community. In the social context of India at that time, women who had gone forth were expected to maintain a simple image, focused on the Dharma rather than adorning themselves.
Main Content
The sutta states that nuns should not use ornaments such as bracelets, anklets, necklaces, or other objects used to adorn the body. This rule does not arise from hatred of natural beauty, but from the principle of Buddhist practice: avoiding actions that may lead to pride, attachment, or opportunities for unnecessary attention.
Nuns observe the five basic precepts and additional precepts, the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha. Regulations concerning conduct, dress, and adornment all support the main goal: focusing on the Dharma, developing wisdom (paññā), and reaching nirvana. When ornaments are removed, the mind is not scattered by concern over appearance.
This is also connected with the principle that “discipline gives rise to faith”: when the community sees nuns living simply and not seeking to attract attention, they have faith in the sincerity of the practice.
Practical Meaning
The Sutta on Jewellery teaches that the path of the holy Dharma is not the path of worldly aesthetics. Voluntarily giving up things that make the body stand out is an act of mental training, reducing pride and attachment.
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