Lzh Mi Bi Vb Sk 13Lifted Robe

Ukkhittaka Discourse (Lifted Robe)

Exposition According to the Theravāda Tradition

Background

Ukkhittaka (Pāli: उक्खित्तक), or “Lifted Robe,” is a text belonging to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda tradition. This discourse records an event related to monastic discipline, specifically a violation of clothing regulations in the Sangha during the time of the Buddha Gotama.

The Vinaya Piṭaka is not a collection of doctrinal sermons, but a set of rules for living together in a religious community, compiled to maintain discipline and harmony. These regulations arose from specific situations, when the Buddha or his disciples discovered unsuitable conduct. The Ukkhittaka discourse is a typical example of how the Buddha taught through practical incidents.

Main Content

The content of this discourse centers on the way bhikkhus wear the robe (saṅghāṭi), one of the minimum sets of Buddhist clothing. Ukkhittaka describes a case in which some bhikkhus did not observe the prescribed way of wearing the robe, specifically exposing part of the flank of the body, which was considered lacking in dignity in the spirit of practice.

When the Buddha discovered this situation, he promulgated a Pātimokkha Saṁvara, a prohibition in the Pātimokkha rule set. The discourse states clearly that bhikkhus must wear the robe so that the whole body is properly covered, from shoulder to knee, especially that the left shoulder area should be covered. Lifting the robe too high or failing to follow the proper standard is considered a disciplinary offense, whether Sekhiya, Saṅghādisesa, or Pācittiya depending on the degree.

The purpose of this regulation is not merely hygiene or appearance, but the cultivation of modesty (hiri), preservation of the honor of the monastic community, and avoidance of undermining the trust of laypeople and society.

Practical Meaning

The Ukkhittaka discourse contains a profound lesson on the importance of voluntary discipline in Buddhist practice.