why do monks shave their heads

Buddhist monks shave their heads primarily as a symbol of renouncing worldly attachments and desires. This practice signifies letting go of physical appearance concerns, social status, and vanity, allowing monks to focus fully on their spiritual path towards enlightenment. The act of shaving the head also follows the example of the Buddha, who shaved his hair when he left his princely life to seek enlightenment. It embodies humility, commitment to monastic life, and freedom from the distractions of worldly life, such as fashion and ego. Moreover, shaving the head reduces the time and energy spent on grooming, helping monks to devote themselves entirely to their spiritual duties and progress. This tradition is guided by monastic rules laid out in Buddhist scriptures, emphasizing simplicity, humility, and detachment from physical appearance for spiritual growth. It is also a way to mark the transition into monastic life and to show equality among monks by sharing a common appearance. Shaving the head is done regularly, at least every two months or when hair reaches a certain length, to maintain this symbolic state.