Lzh Mg Bu Pm Np 12A New Blanket Should Have Mixed Colors
Pāli / Sanskrit:Dvebhāga
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
Commentary on the Sutta "A New Blanket Should Have Mixed Colors" (Dvebhāga)
Background
This sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, which preserves the rules governing the practice and administration of the monastic community. The texts within the Vinaya Piṭaka are not teachings on profound philosophical theory, but rather practical guidelines for maintaining discipline and harmony within the community of monastics.
The title "Dvebhāga" (Pāli, meaning "two parts") evokes a regulation concerning the communal property of the Saṅgha, specifically shared items such as blankets, robes, and other requisites for practice. The context from which this rule arose stems from practical disputes among monastics regarding how to share, use, and maintain communal property. The Buddha, in his supreme wisdom, guided a middle way to reconcile such disagreements.
Main Content
The sutta stipulates that when a new blanket is woven or prepared for the community, it should have mixed colors rather than a single color. The significance of this regulation lies in both its practical and spiritual dimensions. First, a blanket of mixed colors is less likely to attract greed and selfishness. If the blanket were too beautiful or too distinctive with a single brilliant color, monastics might fall into disputes over ownership or priority of use. The mixing of colors mitigates this, since such a blanket is neither rare nor particularly alluring.
Second, this regulation reflects the principle of non-ostentation and refinement within Buddhist precepts (Sīla). Monastics engage in practice for the purpose of awakening, not to possess fine or beautiful objects. A blanket of mixed colors yet without any striking quality is a symbol of equality and humility within the community.
Third, this regulation is an example of the Buddha's skillful means (upāya)—a way of resolving practical problems without the need to impose heavy penalties.
🌏 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.