Expert: Joe McSorley - 3/9/2005

Question
Why are monks shaving their heads?
What are the reasons?

Answer
Dear Latvian,
 The idea of a monk shaving their head goes along with the idea of the plain robe too; it is too remove attachment to all physical things.  It is supposed to remove the idea of vanity and keep the monks on a path of detachment from personal adornment.  The hope is that if you remove these types of distraction from a monk's life he will better be able to concentrate on awakening.
  Take care,
          Joe