How do monks shave?

[Coyote]

I am guessing they don't use electric razors, and I seem to remember they are not allowed to use mirrors. So how do they shave (head and face)? And how often? Is it required?

Thanks,
Coyote

[Ben]

you don't need a razor to shave

[James the Giant]

One of the basic items of a monk's kit (the Requisites) is a razor. The monks I know have Schick or Gillette three-bladed normal manual shaving razors, and shave their heads once every two weeks.
That's in the western Thai Forest Tradition.
But I don't know about the mirror thing. I never thought of that.

[Mawkish1983]

To paraphrase the great Sheldon Copper, "well groomed monks meet in pairs and shave each other, case closed."

[Bhikkhu Pesala]

I don't need a mirror to shave — I know where my face is by now.

I do use an electric hair-clipper to shave the longer head hairs before using a safety razor. Some Vinaya experts will say that amounts to using scissors, but that misses the point. Its just a tool to make the job of shaving quicker and easier.

The scissors rule is about not grooming long hair to fashion it like barbers do for lay people.

In Burma, they still use open razors, and some monks shave their own heads with them too, but I prefer a standard safety razor.

[Coyote]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

you don't need a razor to shave

What do you mean here? Are you thinking of something specific?

I don't need a mirror to shave — I know where my face is by now.

I do use an electric hair-clipper to shave the longer head hairs before using a safety razor. Some Vinaya experts will say that amounts to using scissors, but that misses the point. Its just a tool to make the job of shaving quicker and easier.

The scissors rule is about not grooming long hair to fashion it like barbers do for lay people.

In Burma, they still use open razors, and some monks shave their own heads with them too, but I prefer a standard safety razor.

Bhante, I only remark about the mirror because I know that I would make a right mess of my face if I tried to shave without one!
It is interesting to read about the use of an electric hair-clipper. I remember reading in one of Ven. Thanissaro's books that the Vinaya rule would include such electric devices, so it is interesting to read your interpretation.

Coyote

[Bhikkhu Pesala]

Personal Grooming

Unless ill — e.g., he has a sore on his head — a bhikkhu may not use scissors to cut his hair or have it cut. The question of using electric razors to shave the head is a controversial one. Because their cutting action — even in rotary shavers — is like that of scissors, many Communities will not allow their use in shaving the head.

[Coyote]

Personal Grooming

Unless ill — e.g., he has a sore on his head — a bhikkhu may not use scissors to cut his hair or have it cut. The question of using electric razors to shave the head is a controversial one. Because their cutting action — even in rotary shavers — is like that of scissors, many Communities will not allow their use in shaving the head.

Bhante, yes, that was the one I was thinking of. Thank you.

Coyote

[Ben]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

you don't need a razor to shave

What do you mean here? Are you thinking of something specific?

I beg your pardon, I meant 'you don't need a mirror to shave.
If I don't have a mirror, I can shave in the dark by touch with a disposable razor.

I was tired and it was late when I wrote my earlier response - I am sorry for the confusion.
kind regards,

[LonesomeYogurt]

I beg your pardon, I meant 'you don't need a mirror to shave.
If I don't have a mirror, I can shave in the dark by touch with a disposable razor.

I was tired and it was late when I wrote my earlier response - I am sorry for the confusion.
kind regards,

Hahaha, that clears some of the confusion up For a second there, I thought Ben had figured out a novel new way to shave!

[Ben]

I beg your pardon, I meant 'you don't need a mirror to shave.
If I don't have a mirror, I can shave in the dark by touch with a disposable razor.

I was tired and it was late when I wrote my earlier response - I am sorry for the confusion.
kind regards,

Hahaha, that clears some of the confusion up For a second there, I thought Ben had figured out a novel new way to shave!

If I have an epiphany regarding a razorless-shave I'll definitely share it with you!

[Mawkish1983]

Lasers.

[plwk]

I beg your pardon, I meant 'you don't need a mirror to shave.
If I don't have a mirror, I can shave in the dark by touch with a disposable razor.

I was tired and it was late when I wrote my earlier response - I am sorry for the confusion.
kind regards,

Hahaha, that clears some of the confusion up For a second there, I thought Ben had figured out a novel new way to shave!

If I have an epiphany regarding a razorless-shave I'll definitely share it with you!

Wax strips?

[lojong1]

the fire method is all over the suttas

[Virgo]

When I was a monk, we shaved each others heads. It is a lot easier that way.

To shave my face I just used a regular razor slowly and methodically. You can use touch to see if you have missed any spots.

Kevin

[James the Giant]

the fire method is all over the suttas

FIRE METHOD?!

no, that's got to be a joke, surely.

[plwk]

the fire method is all over the suttas

This?

[Cittasanto]

I am guessing they don't use electric razors, and I seem to remember they are not allowed to use mirrors. So how do they shave (head and face)? And how often? Is it required?

Thanks,
Coyote

The electric razor isn't allowed as it cuts like scisors. but they can use a mirror, just not stare at themselves like Narcissus, so a mirror for practical purposes is allowed but not to be over used.
The vinaya requirement is that the hair not get too long, no more than two finger breadths or every two lunar months, if I remember correctly.

a simple blade razor would be used now but clam shells and other tools were used in different cultures in the past for the purpose.

[Cittasanto]

the fire method is all over the suttas

where?

[Coyote]

The electric razor isn't allowed as it cuts like scisors. but they can use a mirror, just not stare at themselves like Narcissus, so a mirror for practical purposes is allowed but not to be over used.

Thanissaro's Buddhist Monastic Code says this:

"One should not gaze at the reflection of one's face in a mirror or in a bowl of water. Whoever should do so: an offense of wrong doing"... "I allow that, on account of a disease, one gaze at the reflection of one's face in a mirror or in a bowl of water." — Cv.V.2.4

Do you know of another explanation that allows for practical use, or is this based on your experience with monks?

Thanks,
Coyote