Lzh Mg Bu Vb Sk 19Lifted Robe (2nd)

– MAHĀSĀṂGHIKA VINAYA

– CLARIFYING THE BEGINNING SECTION OF THE SEKHIYA RULES:

19. "A rule of training: one must not sit in the house of a layperson with the robe lifted up over the shoulder."

Lifting the robe: either lifting it up on one side, or lifting it up on both sides.

One must not sit in a house with the robe lifted up. When going on almsround or receiving food, if one fears soiling the robe, one may lift it up, but without exposing the elbows — in that case there is no offense. When receiving a meal at a monastery, or when sitting before a preceptor, an instructor, or a senior bhikkhu, one must not lift the robe up.

If one does lift it, one may only lift it on one side — not on both sides. If the robe is to be lifted, it should be lifted on the left side. If both shoulders are fully covered by the robe, one may lift it on the right side.

However, upon seeing a senior bhikkhu, one must lower it again. If one is heedless, with faculties unrestrained, and sits in a house with the robe lifted up over the shoulder, this is to show disregard for the rule of training. Except in the case of mental derangement, there is no offense.

Therefore it is said:

"A rule of training: one must not sit in the house of a layperson with the robe lifted up over the shoulder."

When the Buddha was residing at the city of Sāvatthī — as described in full above — at that time the group of six bhikkhus sat in the houses of laypeople with their knees drawn up and embraced, and were ridiculed by people of the world:

— Why do the Samaṇas, sons of the Sakyan, sit in the houses of worldly people embracing their knees in such an arrogant and heedless manner, like princes or great ministers? These are degenerate ones — what spiritual conduct do they have!

The bhikkhus then brought the matter and reported it to the Blessed One. The Buddha immediately ordered the group of six bhikkhus to be summoned. When they had come, the Buddha questioned them:

— Is this matter true of you?

— It is true, Blessed One.

— From this day forward, you must not sit in the houses of laypeople with your knees drawn up and embraced.

Then the Buddha instructed all the bhikkhus residing at Sāvatthī to assemble, and for the sake of ten benefits he proclaimed the training rule for the bhikkhus — so that even those who have already heard it must hear it again:

Vietnamese translation: Thích Phước Sơn. MAHĀSĀṂGHIKA VINAYA

Chinese translation: THE TRIPIṬAKA MASTER BUDDHABHADRA OF INDIA

TOGETHER WITH SAMAṆA FAXIAN, TRANSLATED DURING THE EASTERN JIN DYNASTY

Verification of meaning: Thích Đổng Minh