Covering the head (PLI-TV-BU-VB-SK67)

Theravāda Collection on Monastic Law

The Great Analysis

The chapter on training

The subchapter on shoes

Covering the head

Origin story

At one time the Buddha was staying at Sāvatthī in the Jeta Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s Monastery.

At that time the monks from the group of six gave teachings to people with covered heads. …

Final ruling

“‘I will not give a teaching to anyone with a covered head who is not sick,’ this is how you should train.”

Definitions

With a covered head:

the upper robe covering the head is what is meant.

One should not give a teaching to anyone with a covered head who is not sick.

If a monk, out of disrespect, gives a teaching to someone with a covered head who is not sick, he commits an offense of wrong conduct.

Non-offenses

There is no offense:

if it is unintentional;

if he is not mindful;

if he does not know;

if he is sick;

if he teaches the person after having them uncover their head;

if there is an emergency;

if he is insane;

if he is the first offender.

The seventh training rule is finished.