Some folks have written recently to ask,
… and even recent Ch’an monks … and Western women (though usually not the beards) …
… and Zen immortals … and Bodhidharma (with an earring, no less) … and even the Bossman, Shakyamuni Buddha, had a gorgeous head of hair …
Even in Southeast Asian traditions, where things are rather strict, the Rules state …
Hair of the head. The hair of the head should not be worn long. It should be shaved at least every two months or when the hair has grown to a length of two fingerbreadths — whichever occurs first, says the Commentary. In Thailand there is the custom that all bhikkhus shave their heads on the same day, the day before the full moon, so that the Community can present a uniform appearance. Although this is not obligatory, a bhikkhu who does not follow the custom tends to stand out from his fellows …
Oh, and did I mention the deep philosophical reasons for being hirsute? (I will in a minute).
As the song goes (for those old enough to remember) …
Give a home to the fleas in my hair A home for fleas, a hive for bees A nest for birds, there ain’t no words For the beauty, the splendor, the wonder of my Hair! (hair, hair, hair, hair, hair, hair)
Flow it, Show it;
Long as God can grow it, My Hair!
Press on arrow for ‘play’
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