Why are monks bald? (ritual, mystic, celibacy, tradition, nuns)

[syoonsh]

Originally Posted by Willamena

Why do monks shave their heads?

Are there bald female monks?

let's say monks do have hair and female has a long hair.

While meditation, there could be a scent from hair or some

kind *smell. During meditation, monks have to focus only their mind,

and if they do have a long hair, would monks properly focus on their mind...?

[yakov91]

they shave thier head's to start a new life.

yakov91

[Somkid]

I think all of your answers are good and it does depend on the monks interpretation of why. I shave my head to remind me nothing is permanent and not to be attached to anything even though I'm not a monk any more I continue the practice.

[zenzero]

Friend Somkid,
Digressing from the usual topic here as you state that you are no more a monk and in another place you mention about your wife which means you have married now.
Kindly enlighten us as to why a monk felt like marrying?
This is just to understand the karmic aspect of individual as myself am midaged now in this life and still a bachelor with never any concious thoughts of marriage/sex. Though have few bachelor friends who have girlfriends/sex.
Even know Catholic priests who married.
What is the reason? you are free to respond/ not respond.
Love & rgds

[Francine]

Originally Posted by yakov91

they shave thier head's to start a new life.

The lice kept falling onto their parchment while they were inking them, and it would often ruin a whole week's work.

[zenzero]

Friends,
Finally to sum it up.
*Monks are bald because they are monks*
Just joking!
Love & rgds

[michaelm]

The yogis do the opposite..they do not shave or cut the hair, just let it grow and end up long haired and bearded (except the female yogis!). Its the same principle but opposite.. they also do not care about appearance.

The problem is that shaving the head can also become an outward show, as can the wearing of robes etc. Renunciation is only really within. I know one renunciant who doesnt wear robes or shave his head (or wear the hair long). His renunciation is not shown or displayed, just is.

[Somkid]

Originally Posted by zenzero

Friend Somkid,
Digressing from the usual topic here as you state that you are no more a monk and in another place you mention about your wife which means you have married now.
Kindly enlighten us as to why a monk felt like marrying?
This is just to understand the karmic aspect of individual as myself am midaged now in this life and still a bachelor with never any concious thoughts of marriage/sex. Though have few bachelor friends who have girlfriends/sex.
Even know Catholic priests who married.
What is the reason? you are free to respond/ not respond.
Love & rgds

In my tradition it is not unusual for a monk to marry and continue to serve as a chaplain or teacher of Buddhist studies. I became a monk because I had questions, it took me a long time to find the answers but I found what I was looking for. The Buddha said the teaching is like a raft when you reach the other side you would be a fool to carry it with you that is the raft not the teaching but I feel that once you learn what you need to learn and find peace it is time to move on and allow someone to fill your space so they may have the opportunity to find what they need. I am like any other man I wanted the companionship of a woman, our relationship is not focused on sex but rather on friendship and a mutual understanding of the Dharma that is not to say we do not do what is natural for a man and a woman to do and we just had our first child but it is not a focus or an issue. I currently instruct monks and other students in Buddhist studies as well as world religion and philosophy. To spite the fact I am married and have a job I still live my life very much like a monk because it is a much simpler way to live and appreciate everything. Everyone in my department was a monk for a minimum of 3 years.

[Ozzie]

Originally Posted by Seyorni

I have to confess my ignorance about this, Lilithu. Could you give us some more info?

I would like to see this too. Buddhist esoterism is centred on self denial rather than mutilation.

[Ozzie]

Originally Posted by michaelm

The yogis do the opposite..they do not shave or cut the hair, just let it grow and end up long haired and bearded (except the female yogis!). Its the same principle but opposite.. they also do not care about appearance.

The problem is that shaving the head can also become an outward show, as can the wearing of robes etc. Renunciation is only really within. I know one renunciant who doesnt wear robes or shave his head (or wear the hair long). His renunciation is not shown or displayed, just is.

Have you considered it is more likely to be a burden than an advantage to have long hair. And being a visible sign of burden I do not believe there is no difference.