Lzh Mi Bi Pm Np 23Heavy Cloaks
Pāli / Sanskrit:Garupāvuraṇa
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The Discourse on Heavy Cloaks (Garupāvuraṇa)
Background
The Discourse on Heavy Cloaks belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda tradition, where the rules of virtue and discipline for the Sangha community are preserved. The context of this discourse arose from specific situations in the early Buddhist community, when bhikkhus needed clear guidance on a simple and dignified way of life.
The discourse concerns the clothing of monastics. In the time of Buddha Śākyamuni, renunciants were those who had abandoned all worldly possessions. Cloth garments were not only objects for covering the body, but symbols of renouncing luxury and of honest labor. Bhikkhus were permitted to wear robes offered by faithful people, but they also had to follow strict principles concerning weight, color, and use.
The word “garu” in Pāli means heavy, severe, or grave. “Pāvuraṇa” refers to a covering or cloak. This discourse addresses cloth garments that are too heavy, which may cause hardship for the wearer or be unsuitable for the life of practice of renunciants.
Main Content
The Discourse on Heavy Cloaks stipulates that bhikkhus should not use cloth garments that are excessively heavy. This principle arises from the practice of the four establishments of mindfulness (satipaṭṭhāna), mindfulness of the body. When wearing a garment that is too heavy, the mind can easily be diverted toward attention to bodily difficulty, obstructing concentration on the Dharma.
This rule also reflects a basic principle of Buddhism: balance, neither excessive austerity nor excessive indulgence. The Buddha taught the Middle Way, avoiding both extremes. Wearing a garment that is too heavy may be regarded as a form of unnecessary self-mortification, contrary to the spirit of Buddhist practice.
Bhikkhus are encouraged to use thin, light cloth suitable for the local climate, so that they can move easily, go on almsround, and practice meditation without being disturbed by unnecessary physical sensations.
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