Xct Mu Bi Pm Pc 127Adorning like a wife

The Sutta on Adorning Like a Wife

Xct Mu Bi Pm Pc 127

Background

This rule is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha, the precepts for bhikkhunīs. The Vinaya Piṭaka is the collection of texts that sets forth the principles of conduct and delicate customs of the Theravāda Buddhist monastic community.

The basis of this rule comes from a fundamental principle for Buddhist monastics: separation from worldliness (lokavinibboga). One who has gone forth has abandoned sensual pleasures and worldly honors in order to pursue liberation. Therefore, actions that express attachment to marriage, family, or desires connected with worldly love are considered unsuitable for the monastic life.

The rule “adorning like a wife” (mātugāma-samññatti) warns bhikkhunīs to avoid actions or attitudes that make them resemble worldly women, especially habits related to arranging themselves in order to attract or maintain worldly romantic relationships.

Main Content

This rule is intended to prevent bhikkhunīs from adorning themselves, altering their appearance, or dressing carefully for the purpose of looking beautiful, attractive, or maintaining stability in romantic relationships. Specifically, it warns against:

First, using ornaments or cosmetics with an intention considered appropriate to a worldly woman. Bhikkhunīs are required to wear under-robes and outer robes, saffron or brownish yellow, but they should not arrange their clothing in a way that attracts attention or maintains emotional attachment.

Second, it concerns the inner attitude. Even when there are no obvious physical ornaments, if a bhikkhunī has the mindset of wishing to be recognized or loved in a worldly way, that too violates the spirit of this rule.

In the context of the Vinaya, this action is classified as a Pācittiya offense, a lighter offense than a Pārājika but still requiring public confession before the Sangha.