Lzh Mi Bi Pm Pc 68Robe Size

SUGATACĪVARA SUTTA — RULE CONCERNING THE ROBE

Background

The Sugatacīvara Sutta is found in the Pātimokkha, the code of the bhikkhu Sangha, belonging to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition. The Pātimokkha is the basic Vinaya consisting of the training rules that every bhikkhu must observe. This sutta specifically concerns the use and management of the robe (cīvara), one of the three basic material items a bhikkhu is permitted to possess.

According to historical sources, the Buddha Śākyamuni promulgated regulations concerning clothing to protect the pure mindfulness of bhikkhus, helping them not to be troubled by thoughts of property, and to transform material needs into motivation for practice. The Sugatacīvara Sutta addresses issues connected with the size or suitability of the robe, and the latent dangers if it is not properly maintained.

Main Content

In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, this sutta deals with violations connected with the use and care of the monastic robe, the outer robe used for teaching, entering villages, living communally, or attending solemn events. The specific content of this sutta in the original Pāli source has not been fully translated, but according to the general context of the Pātimokkha, it usually concerns:

First, standards regarding the size and material of the robe to ensure that it is suitable for the renunciant life. A robe that is too wide or too tight will obstruct meditation or the performance of Dharma activities.

Second, cases of improper use, such as wearing the robe for purposes not in keeping with celibate asceticism, or in order to impress outsiders.

Third, the issue of managing property when a bhikkhu keeps too many robes, or does not actively weave, wash, or mend these robes according to the spirit of the Vinaya.

Violations connected with the outer robe are considered Pārājika or Saṅghādisesa offenses, the grave offenses, depending on the degree and nature of the act.