Lzh Dg Bu Pm 2 Pc 90Robe Size
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sugatacīvara
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Sugatacīvara Sutta: On the Size of the Monastic Robe
Background
The Sugatacīvara Sutta (the discourse on the Tathagata’s robe) is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically in the Pācittiya section, concerning lesser offenses requiring confession. This discourse arose from an event in the Buddha’s community of bhikkhus at the Blessed One’s dwelling.
According to the pattern by which the Vinaya Piṭaka developed, each rule arose from a specific case. A certain bhikkhu had misused the monastic robe (cīvara), not following the prescribed dimensions. The Buddha, with his understanding of suitability and balance, established clear criteria to protect the proper craftsmanship and purity of the Sangha, the monastic community.
In the context of early Buddhism, the monastic robe was not merely clothing to protect the body, but also a symbol of relinquishing luxury. Regulating its size was part of the bhikkhu’s principle of non-accumulation, aimed at cultivating purity and self-mastery.
Main Content
The Sugatacīvara Sutta sets forth specific criteria concerning the size of the monastic robe that a bhikkhu is permitted to possess. This is directly related to the modest and restrained way of life of those who have gone forth.
According to the Pācittiya rule, if a bhikkhu makes or uses a robe exceeding the permitted size, this is regarded as a Pācittiya offense, an offense that the one who has committed it must confess before another bhikkhu in order to be purified.
The prescribed size is not arbitrary, but is calculated according to factors such as length and width suitable for the wearer’s body, sufficient to cover the body but not excessively abundant. This discourse shows the Buddha’s meticulous attention to every detail of daily life, in order to build a community of practice with strict discipline.
This rule also reflects the principle of “the Middle Way between two extremes” (Majjhimā Paṭipadā), avoiding both self-mortification and indulgence in pleasures.
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