Lzh Mg Bi Pm Pc 68Robe Size
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sugatacīvara
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
Commentary on the Sugatacīvara Sutta (Robe Size)
Background
The Sugatacīvara Sutta (The Robe of the Perfectly Enlightened One) is found within the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, specifically in the Bhikkhu Pātimokkha — which sets forth the foundational rules of conduct for bhikkhus (ordained male Buddhist monastics). This text concerns itself with regulations regarding the size and use of the robe, an indispensable aspect of the daily life and practice of bhikkhus.
The historical context from which this regulation arose dates to the time when the Buddha was still living. Initially, the bhikkhus had no specific rules governing robes, and as a result some wore garments that were excessively large and overly elaborate, exceeding what is appropriate for the purpose of monastic dress. The Buddha, recognizing that this could become an obstacle to earnest practice and could readily give rise to conceit, established specific principles. The regulation concerning robe size is not merely a practical matter; it also gives expression to mindfulness of renunciation (nekkhamma) and the cultivation of minimal possessions in Buddhist practice.
Main Content
The Sugatacīvara Sutta stipulates that a bhikkhu's robe must be of a size appropriate to his body. It must not be excessively wide, excessively long, or overly elaborate, but sufficient to cover the body in a manner befitting the duties of an ordained Buddhist monastic. Should a robe exceed the prescribed size limits, the bhikkhu in question commits an offense (Pācittiya).
The specific regulations involve measuring the length and width of the robe according to traditional units of measurement. The purpose of these limits is not to restrict freedom, but to ensure that a bhikkhu does not become drawn into preoccupation with outward appearance or into a confidence rooted in one's dress. The robe, in Theravāda Buddhism, is regarded as a practical instrument for covering the body, and not as a symbol of status or of attainment in practice.
This text also reflects a foundational principle of the Vinaya: each rule is established for a specific reason. No regulation is arbitrary, nor does any exist merely for the purpose of control.
🌏 The Buddhist canon is vast — some sūtras (such as comparative Vinaya across schools, or untranslated Tibetan-canon texts) have to this day NEVER been translated into Vietnamese or English by anyone, scholars included. Rather than leave it blank, Inti AI offers a FAITHFUL summary grounded in the tradition — from the sūtra's title, origin and essence — so you can still reach this rare part of the treasury. Whenever an original translation exists, the app shows the original first.
Translations belong to the translator/source credited above. The bilingual compilation, presentation, and AI translations compiled by Inti are © Inti Foundation. Please attribute when quoting; do not bulk-copy or use commercially without permission.