Page 31 - A Dictionary of Chinese Symbols BIG Book
P. 31
A Dictionary of Chinese Symbols 24
Bald Head
tu
‘Baldy’ or ‘Bald-headed Ass’ is a rude way of referring to Buddhist monks, who all have
to shave their heads. But the word tu may also mean ‘penis’.
Even as novices, young monks have to have their heads shaved. At a later stage, when
they have vowed to take the way of Buddha, they have to prove their steadfastness
by undergoing various forms of self-inflicted mortification of the flesh. The usual way is
for a piece of charcoal which has been dipped in a certain fruit sap to be placed on the
bald head and set alight. It is allowed to burn itself out and the deep scars thus obtained
are exhibited with pride thereafter.
Two bald-headed monks
