Lzh Dg Bu Pm 2 Np 28Haste-Cloth
Pāli / Sanskrit:Accekacīvara
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The Accekacīvara Discourse (The Haste-Cloth Discourse)
Background
The Accekacīvara discourse appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, specifically in the Pātimokkha, the basic code of the bhikkhus. This recorded event concerns a practical issue in monastic life: how to cover the body with a robe in urgent circumstances.
According to tradition, the Buddha established rules concerning monastic clothing in order to teach his disciples self-mastery, non-attachment to material things, and conduct appropriate to the path. This discourse reflects a practical principle: in special situations when a monastic urgently needs to cover the body, one may use a single piece of cloth (acceka-cīvara) without violating the instructions concerning dress.
Main Content
The content of Accekacīvara revolves around flexibility while still maintaining discipline in wearing robes. The term “acceka” and “cīvara” indicate the core point of the regulation: a bhikkhu may cover the whole body with a single piece of cloth in a necessary case.
The discourse stipulates that this is permitted in emergencies, such as when a bhikkhu suddenly needs to leave the monastery precinct or faces an unexpected situation in which a suitable robe cannot be found. However, this action is not to be regarded as a regular habit. Normally, a bhikkhu must wear the three robes according to the Vinaya: the outer robe, the upper robe, and the inner robe.
This rule reflects an important distinction between rigid principles and awareness of actual circumstances. The Buddha did not want monastics to become slaves to form and forget the true purpose: cultivating virtue, devoting themselves to practice, and attaining liberation.
Practical Meaning
The Accekacīvara discourse teaches us that Buddhist discipline is not absolutely mechanical, but intelligent and humane.
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