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Where are all the hairy monks?
Posted: Thu May 16, 2013 12:59 pm
by kilanta
Many times in Thailand I've been wondering why I never see a monk of western origin who is hairy. Secretly I've been thinking that maybe some of them shave off their excess fur? In vinaya this seems to be falling under unnecessary beautification and/or maybe being too concerned about one's looks. Or maybe shaving excess chest hair standing out under robes falls under a rule for trying to be neat when in public? Or do they just ordinate those who aren't excessively hairy? This has been bothering me a while since the few thais I know don't consider a hairy westener an exactly nice thing to look at. Yet I'm sure there are lots of hairy fellows who are strolling on the path and have gone forth too in Thailand.
Re: Where are all the hairy monks?
Posted: Thu May 16, 2013 9:07 pm
by cooran
Hello kilanta, all,
Not sure - there is no instruction to remove bodily hair. Here is what the Vinaya states:
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/auth ... .ch01.html
With metta,
Chris
Re: Where are all the hairy monks?
Posted: Fri May 17, 2013 1:52 am
by poto
Not all of us westerners are hairy man-beasts.
I'm a westerner in my 30's and I do not have a hairy chest or back.
I do have a small amount of Native American in me, but am mostly of German decent, with some Irish and other stuff in there.
Re: Where are all the hairy monks?
Posted: Fri May 17, 2013 2:13 am
by pilgrim
I've seen Sri Lankan monks with hairy chests. Thais and other east asians tend to be a lot less hairy.
Re: Where are all the hairy monks?
Posted: Fri May 17, 2013 3:54 am
by Mojo
more body hair = more testosterone = less interest in monkish endeavors?
Re: Where are all the hairy monks?
Posted: Fri May 17, 2013 4:03 am
by barcsimalsi
Hair in a confining region is not to be removed. Whoever should do so: an offense of wrong doing"...
Isn't this rule disrupt hygiene care?
Re: Where are all the hairy monks?
Posted: Fri May 17, 2013 5:16 am
by piotr
