In Buddhism, tonsure is a part of the rite of pabbajja and also a part of becoming a Bhikkhu (monk) or Bhikkhuni (nun). This involves shaving the head and face. This tonsure is renewed as often as required to keep the head cleanly shaven.
The guidelines set in the Khandhaka are used to discourage vanity. Most Buddhist monks and nuns follow these rules today. There is variation between schools, but the monastic ordination of Buddhism always includes a head shave.
Shaving the head is one of the rules the Buddha laid down for his monks and nuns. It is one of the key indicators of renunciation showing that a person has given up ordinary life and will live outside of social conventions.
For Hindus and Buddhists, long hair can represent beauty and (perhaps dangerous) sexuality — and cutting or shaving it off is surrendering worldly gifts to fully concentrate on the eternal.
These days, most catholic nuns don't shave their heads, but in the '30s it was fairly common practice. Cutting their hair often symbolized a gesture to God; a renouncement of vanity, if you will.
Not all Nuns and Sisters are expected to cut their hair and keep it short, but there is a tradition in place. When Postulants become Nuns, they usually get a short haircut from the other Nuns as a symbol of giving herself to God and giving up personal vanity, and the pursuit of a husband.
Nuns of the Roman Catholic, Western Orthodox, Lutheran and Anglican traditions often wear a veil as a part of their religious habit.
At present, the Great Standards would allow soap under the allowance for clay, and scented soaps or deodorants under the allowance for scented powders for a bhikkhu with a strong body odor. Otherwise, the use of scents is listed among the bad habits prohibited by Cv.
What religions prevent you from cutting your hair? Religions such as Orthodox Judaism, Rastafarianism, and Sikhism all prohibit haircuts, the removal of facial hair, or a combination of the two due to beliefs that hair is sacred or a gift from God.
The typical day of a Buddhist monk, whether young or adult, follows a fixed schedule: wake-up call at 4:30 am (including Saturdays and Sundays); one-hour gathering in the temple to recite mantras; personal hygiene in one of the several fountains scattered around the monastery (there are no showers but they wash ...
Buddhism much like Hinduism is not particularly restrictive when it comes to tattoos. Buddhists believe that the body is impermanent and so are tattoos. Because they are viewed as temporary, getting tattoos doesn't violate any Buddhist doctrines or beliefs.
Tonsure (/ˈtɒnʃər/) is the practice of cutting or shaving some or all of the hair on the scalp as a sign of religious devotion or humility. The term originates from the Latin word tonsura (meaning "clipping" or "shearing") and referred to a specific practice in medieval Catholicism, abandoned by papal order in 1972.
In this image, a blond-haired novice is in the process of getting her hair cut by the abbess of the White Nuns. She wears a white gown like the other nuns, however she does not wear a black veil.
Sexual Ethics and the Buddhist Precepts
The monastic code for all monks and nuns across all three Buddhist vehicles (Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana) is simple and straightforward – total celibacy.
All the nunneries follow a simple vegetarian diet. Breakfast might be a piece of flat bread, cooked mixed vegetables, and tea. Lunch is the main meal of the day and is often rice, two kinds of vegetables, dal, and sometimes fruit. Dinner is often a noodle soup and maybe a steamed bun.
Japanese Buddhism is particularly distinguished by its rejection of celibate monasticism. Following Meiji-era changes to national laws, monks and nuns could no longer be forbidden from marrying, and as a result a distinct class of married clergy and temple administrators emerged.
Sikhs. The Sikh religion forbids cutting or shaving any bodily hair. Orthodox Sikhs always carry a dagger with them, lest someone try to force them to do something against their religion.
The Hare Krishna are often recognized by the ponytail (called a shikha) at the back of their heads. This form of hair maintenance follows the tradition of Vedic mantras not being chanted by anyone with hair on the face or head.
In the southern region of the United States commonly known as the "Bible Belt," where Christianity flourishes in the form of many creeds and denominations, Apostolic Pentecostal women are often distinguished from their fellow Christian sisters as being those who wear skirts and have long, uncut hair.
For most Buddhists, however, the desire to look pretty and wear makeup, even if it's just for yourself, is still considered a material attachment. Until you rid yourself of all attachments, the belief is you won't reach enlightenment and be forced to reincarnate for all eternity.
“Within the teachings of Buddhism are 'the virtues of ablutions,' which encouraged pouring cold or hot water over the body or immersing oneself in baths to wash away worldly uncleanliness,” Shimokawa explains.
Theravada nuns wear light pink or white robes. Typically only seen during morning almsgiving rituals, alms bowls are worn around the neck. In Bhutan and Nepal, both monks and nuns generally wear only maroon robes, with some variation of red. Both countries practice Buddhism that is closely-related to Tibetan Buddhism.
What do nuns wear under their habit? Some nuns, especially those that live in colder climates, may wear regular clothing under their habits. Others may only wear a t-shirt and shorts. In hotter countries, nuns may even just wear underwear.
Traditional Habits
Nuns traditionally wear habits while sleeping: a long white tunic, a black veil, and a leather belt. These garments are not only practical, they also represent religious symbolism.
Religious orders are independent. The Roman Catholic Church has no responsibility to support them. Sisters, brothers and many priests take vows of poverty, and they are usually paid about half of what is made by typical secular workers.