Shaved heads, a question...

[Shinta]

First, I'm not sure if this is the correct place to post this, if not, I apoligise and hope a moderator moves it to an appropriate place.

It was discussed in various parts of the forum and various articles, that tradicional monks always had their heads shaved.

Does anyone know how they did it? Did they shaved their heads everyday upon waking up ? (that must be hard shaving the back of the head no ?) or did they used other methods (wax ?? that must've hurt)?

I guess this could apply to most NBA players nowadays, but I don't think the old shaolin monks had access to personal beauty personel !


What spites of interest is, I'm only 20, and already balding, which in a few years, I don't think I'll need to shave my head if I want to do the same

[Antonius]

They used swords. I do the same. Every morning, I wake up and do a Sword form to shave my head.

OK. I'm done being silly. Hi Shinta. Actually, it's an interesting question. I don't know the answer. I assume they used straight razors. I don't know how often they shaved, but Mahayana monks tend to keep their heads very cleanly shaven.

One thing I'll point out. After shaving your head for a while (almost 9 years for me!) a mirror isn't necessary. You can do it by feel and touch, including the back.

[Shinta]

Hi Antonius, thanks for the reply.

I was wondering, where there any specific reasons for shaving the head (like for training) or just something you like?

As I stated, I'm currently balding, but I still keep my hair pretty long (which I think helps on the balding factor) but have noted various cumbersomes on training (unless I use a ponytail) and even during work, and was wondering if practise wise, there are any benefits toa clean head?

Thanks.

[Antonius]

I don't like haircuts. I don't like hairstyles. I don't like brushing my hair. I don't like shampoo. I prefer simple. Shaving my head is personal choice that keeps things simple for me. It's not a statement. I'm not a monk. If anything I continue to shave my head because women seem to like it better this way.

In terms of practice, I don't know if there are any major benefits. My hair certainly doesn't get in the way. My head is nice and cool, but other than that, I don't think it is much different that a normal haircut.

By the way, I'm also balding, though I wasn't when I first started shaving. It's funny. I would prefer to be bald because it would save me the work of shaving. Ironically, chi kung is making my hair grow back.

You can't win 'em all.

[J.J.Binks]

Shaved head

Shinta,
I think your question was for Antonius, but I couldn't help cutting in here. Are there any benefits to shaving your head? I know for me there was. I have ezcema (sp?) which causes my skin to become very dry and itchy. I had it really bad on my head, basically it itched really bad especially when I worked out and I had excessive dandruff. This problem was compounded by the fact that at my kung fu school there is no shower, and at the gym where I also train we would sometimes wear headgear. The doctor gave me medecine for the ezcema which worked great, but I really couldn't put it on my head b/c of my hair. I finally decided to shave my head, and after a few days of applying the medecine and letting my scalp get some badly needed air, it cleared up completely. Believe it or not, it was one of the most gratifying things that has happened to me in a long time because I thought I would always have the ezcema and I couldn't remember what it was like not having sores on my head. I'm letting it grow back again but if it gets really bad I will probably shave it again. So shaving your head can help you take care of your scalp in certain situations.

[RandomTask]

humility & renunciation

I believe that the practice of ch'an monks shaving their heads derives from the original monastic order of the buddha. I have read that monks shave their heads for two reasons, the first being cleanliness (since they live in a community lice can be prevalent). The second reason is probably the main reason.

The shaving of the head is a symbolic act of humility. It is a method for leaving the ego behind by only maintaining the body, not pampering the body. This is the same reason that in some traditions the monks only eat once a day, and only for nourishment, not for pleasure. Many monks also only wear robes that cover the majority of their body. They are not out to "look good" to anyone, and in fact this is expressely forbidden in some traditions.

It is also a sign to the layity and the monk himself of the idea of renunciation, that the being has left the layity/householder lifestyle and entered the life of the renunciate. It is a symbol (in some traditions) of upholding the monastic precepts, including refraining from sexual activity (for it makes a person less attractive).

This is just some of what I've learned on the topic.

Metta,
RandomTask