Lzh Mg Bi Pm Np 20Light Cloaks
Pāli / Sanskrit:Lahupāvuraṇa
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KINH LAHUPĀVURAṆA (THE SUTTA OF LIGHT CLOAKS)
Background
The Lahupāvuraṇa Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, situated within the detailed regulations concerning the garments and requisites of bhikkhus. It is recorded within the Pātimokkha sections — the collection of fundamental rules that every member of the ordained Sangha must observe.
The context from which this sutta arose is connected to the gradual development of regulations regarding dress within the Sangha. The Buddha Śākyamuni did not promulgate rules for the purpose of restriction, but rather in response to specific situations as they arose. When bhikkhus wore cloaks that were excessively light and flimsy — compromising the dignified bearing proper to the renunciant life or causing difficulties within community living — the Buddha then established the regulation. This reflects the principle of "regulation following the event" (sutvā pariyāyena paññatti) within the tradition of Buddhist Vinaya.
Main Content
The Lahupāvuraṇa Sutta stipulates that bhikkhus are not permitted to wear cloaks (pāvuraṇa) that are excessively light, thin, or flimsy. The pāvuraṇa is an outer cloak worn over the Saṅghāṭī — the principal triple robe — in particular circumstances such as visiting the sick, attending ceremonies, or meeting persons of high standing.
The reason for this regulation is to uphold the dignified and proper appearance of the renunciant in the eyes of the lay community. A cloak that is excessively thin cannot provide adequate coverage, and readily gives an impression of carelessness and inelegance, contrary to the spirit of practice cultivated within the Sangha. Furthermore, the sutta also intimates that the choice of requisites that are overly light or lacking in substance may reflect a state of mind that is inattentive and insufficiently mindful of the small details of daily life.
Bhikkhus must select fabrics of appropriate thickness and coverage — comfortable yet conforming to the prescribed standard. This is not a matter of luxury or attachment to fine things, but of wholehearted care in every small detail of the training.
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