Lzh Mi Bi Pm Sk 14Lifted Robe (2nd)

The Discourse on the Lifted Robe, Second Instance

Dutiyaukkhittaka — Exposition from the Vinaya Piṭaka

Background

The Dutiyaukkhittaka (Lifted Robe, Second Instance) belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition of Early Buddhism. It is one of the detailed disciplinary regulations pertaining to the monastic practice of bhikkhunīs (female monastics) within the Buddhist Sangha. The Vinaya Piṭaka was compiled under the guidance of the Blessed One Śākyamuni, with the purpose of directing the Sangha to live in accordance with the true Dharma, uphold discipline, and apply diligent effort in practice.

The historical context of this discourse arises from specific situations in the life of study and training at Buddhist monasteries. As the Sangha grew, matters of ethical conduct, behavioral discipline, and in particular the rules pertaining to the robes and the deportment of bhikkhunīs, required clear regulation. This discourse reflects the Blessed One's concern for maintaining purity, dignity, and discipline within the Sangha.

Principal Contents

The Dutiyaukkhittaka addresses a specific regulation relating to the act of "lifting" or "freely adjusting" the cloth robe (khandhaka — a piece of cloth, a robe) of female monastics. In the Theravāda tradition, the cloth robe (cīvara) of a bhikkhunī is not merely a garment for the protection of the body, but is also a symbol of going forth into homelessness, of training, and of adherence to the Buddha-Dharma. The manner of wearing the robe, of lifting the robe, and of tending to the robe are all expressions of respect for monastic discipline.

This discourse stipulates that when a bhikkhunī lifts her robe a second time, or in this instance, when she adjusts her cloth robe in some manner that transgresses the established rules, she is to be subject to a penalty or to a specific disciplinary measure.