Xct Mu Bi Pc 125Combing Hair
Pāli / Sanskrit:Combing hair
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Discourse on Combing Hair
Excerpted from the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition
Background
The Combing Hair discourse appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka of Theravāda Buddhadharma, specifically in the Pātimokkha section and the injunctions concerning the daily life of monks and nuns. It is not an independent discourse, but a training regulation within the system of Vinaya (Dhamma-Vinaya) that the Buddha Śākyamuni established to govern the community of monks and nuns.
The context in which this discourse arose concerns issues of hygiene, dress, and bearing among those who have gone forth. The Buddha always emphasized that caring for the body is not an unlimited vice, but an essential part of the path. However, this care must be performed with a balance between hygiene and non-attachment to one’s self-image.
Main Content
According to the Vinaya Piṭaka tradition, combing the hair of monks and nuns must follow specific principles. One who has gone forth should not allow the hair to grow excessively long or neglect hygiene, because this may create discomfort and distraction in meditation. However, combing the hair must also not become an act of attachment to appearance or an attempt to attract the attention of others.
The rule states that bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs should comb the hair with mindfulness (sati), that is, with clear awareness of the action taking place. The purpose is not to beautify oneself or take pride, but to maintain hygiene and neatness in service of practice.
The discourse also notes that combing the hair may be done in a certain order, not casually or carelessly. If someone intentionally violates these regulations, for example by combing the hair to show off or with a motive of craving, that person must undergo the consequence according to the rule of penance (pouring cold water over oneself or similar penalties), depending on the degree of the violation.
Practical Meaning
The Combing Hair discourse teaches us that in Theravāda Buddhadharma, no action is regarded as “small” or unworthy of attention.
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