Theravāda Collection on Monastic Law

The Great Analysis

The chapter on training

The subchapter on hands on hips

23. The training rule on 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 were covering their heads with their upper robes while walking in inhabited areas. …

Final ruling

“‘I will not cover my head while walking in inhabited areas,’ this is how you should train.”

One should not cover one’s head while walking in an inhabited area.

If a monk, out of disrespect, covers his head with his upper robe while walking in an inhabited area, 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 there is an emergency;

if he is insane;

if he is the first offender.

The third training rule is finished.