Lzh Dg Bu Pm Np 5Used Robes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Purāṇacīvara
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Sutta on Used Robes (Purāṇacīvara)
Background
The Sutta on Used Robes is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravada Dharma tradition, one of the detailed bodies of law regulating the life of practice of bhikkhus. The Vinaya Piṭaka was compiled to protect the Sangha and maintain discipline in practice according to the original teaching of the Buddha Gotama.
The regulations on robes (cīvara) in the Vinaya Piṭaka reflect the emphasis of Theravada Buddhism on a modest life and keeping away from luxury and corruption. In particular, the rule on using old robes expresses the spirit of not chasing after material things and not becoming attached to appearance. This is one of the small details with profound meaning in the discipline of monks and nuns.
Main Content
The Sutta on Used Robes stipulates that bhikkhus should use old robes, that is, robes that have already been used, rather than seeking new robes. This principle arises from the foundation of Buddhist practice: minimizing desire and attachment toward personal requisites.
According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, the garments of bhikkhus must be simple and suitable for the life of practice. The robe is one of the three basic requisites, together with the alms bowl and a resting place. Accepting old robes is not only an economic matter, but also a way of training the mind to let go of preference and choice.
This rule also prevents the situation in which bhikkhus might become "attached to foreign goods," that is, seek to obtain better requisites through force or unnecessary requests. By limiting desire for clothing, the Dharma protects the ethical integrity and the spirit of contentment of monastics.
Practical Meaning
The Sutta on Used Robes teaches that true practice does not lie in material objects but in the mind. Using old robes is a way to practice letting go of discrimination and not following the tendency to compare oneself with others in clothing or appearance.
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