Lzh Dg Bi Pm Pc 103Sewing Robes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Cīvarasibbana
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The Rule on Sewing Robes (Cīvarasibbana)
Background
In the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, the Vinaya Piṭaka records the rules of life for the Sangha established by the Buddha. The Rule on Sewing Robes (Cīvarasibbana) is one of the allowances (anuññā) belonging to the Thirtyfold Section (Tīsaraṇasikkhamānā) or the prohibitions in the Paccaya Bhikkhunivinaya, governing details concerning the handling of monastic clothing. The background arose when bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs needed specific guidance on how to preserve, repair, and sew robes, the sacred clothing of the Sangha.
The robe (cīvara) is not merely ordinary clothing, but the third symbol of taking refuge, comprising the Three Jewels, the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Sewing the robe sincerely and carefully is a form of practicing obedience to the Vinaya, thereby nourishing Right Mindfulness (sati) and Right Concentration (samādhi).
Main Content
The rule stipulates that when a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī needs to sew or repair a robe, the work must be performed with a mind of Right Intention (Sammā-saṅkappa), with right thought and without distraction. Sewing may not be done carelessly or heedlessly. More specifically, the monastic practitioner must:
First, perform the work with a pure mind, without sensual intent or deluded thought mixed in. One should not engage in idle talk or argument while sewing robes.
Second, respect every stitch. Each stitch is a moment of training in the Four Noble Truths (Cattāri Ariya-saccā) within the action itself. Each careful movement of the needle is an opportunity to settle the mind.
Third, sewing robes is a means of practicing Right Livelihood (Sammā-ājīva), that is, proper living. A bhikkhu must not sew robes for personal gain or for trade, but only to maintain the necessities required for practice.
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