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Explanation of the Tūlonaddha Sutta (The Sutta on Covering Cloth)

Background

The Tūlonaddha Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, the body of discipline concerning the use and making of requisites for practice. Specifically, this sutta revolves around the matter of covering cloths, pieces of cloth used to cover objects or serve practical needs in the Sangha.

In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, clauses concerning covering cloths are not merely material matters but also disciplinary and pedagogical. The Buddha set forth specific guidance so that bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs in the Sangha would know how to use requisites reasonably, avoid waste, and avoid harming the reputation of the Teaching.

Main Content

The Tūlonaddha Sutta refers to detailed regulations concerning the kinds of cloth that may be used as covering in the Sangha. Covering cloth (tūlonaddha) is often used to protect practice requisites, such as robes or other objects that need preservation.

The Buddha prescribed that not just any kind of cloth may be used for covering. Cloths that are too expensive, too luxurious, or woven from precious fibers are not suitable for the pure lifestyle of one who has gone forth. By contrast, the Buddha encouraged the use of ordinary, inexpensive, easily obtained cloths, in accord with a modest lifestyle and not drawing attention.

This sutta also points out the principle that a renunciant’s choice of requisites must reflect the spirit of renunciation, abandoning worldly attachment. Every choice concerning clothing and requisites is an opportunity to train the mind in non-greed and in not following external paths of preference and enjoyment.

Practical Meaning

Although this sutta speaks of an apparently small detail such as the kind of covering cloth, its deeper meaning points toward training a pure mind and carefulness in every action.