Lzh Dg Bi Pm Sk 3Lifted Robe
Pāli / Sanskrit:Ukkhittaka
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THE SUTTA ON THE LIFTED ROBE (Ukkhittaka) – EXPOSITION
Background
The Sutta on the Lifted Robe (Ukkhittaka) belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, the monastic code for bhikkhus in Theravāda Buddhism. This text is recorded among the disciplinary rules concerning the clothing of renunciant disciples, especially the use and adjustment of the robe.
In the time of Buddha Śākyamuni, bhikkhus followed regulations on clothing in order to preserve integrity, avoid arousing sensuality, and express renunciation of material things. The robe (cīvara) is not merely a covering for the body, but a symbol of humble renunciation. The Sutta on the Lifted Robe concerns cases when the robe falls loose or is raised under certain circumstances, and the rule that monastics must follow to protect purity.
The historical background shows that Buddha Śākyamuni established such detailed rules from specific events occurring in the Sangha, after which senior disciples such as Upāli recorded and transmitted them. These rules were not irrational impositions, but were based on practical need and the principle of practice.
Main Content
The Sutta on the Lifted Robe deals with situations in which the robe is raised or falls loose unintentionally. The main rule requires a bhikkhu to maintain carefulness in wearing the robe: it must be tied or secured properly to avoid falling down, especially when walking or when others are nearby.
If the robe is raised or falls loose even in part, the bhikkhu should immediately restore his clothing without delay or display of distress. This action is seen as a matter of attention and personal discipline rather than a grave moral fault, unless there is an intention to arouse sensuality or violate other rules of integrity.
The text also refers to special circumstances, such as when a bhikkhu is bathing, lying down, or doing ordinary work.
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