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

Exposition of the Dutiyaukkhittaka Discourse (Lifted Robe — Second Time)

Background

The Dutiyaukkhittaka discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon and is found among the training rules of the Buddhist Sangha. It is one of the rules concerning the manner of dress and the use of communal property by monastics.

The word “Dutiyaukkhittaka” includes two components: “Dutiya” (second time) and “Ukkhittaka” (lifted up, raised). This rule was set forth to regulate bhikkhus’ violations of rules concerning the management and use of the outer robe, one of the four minimum requisites of a Buddhist practitioner.

The background of its arising usually concerns a bhikkhu who violated a rule about the outer robe and was admonished, yet repeated the offense a second time. Such cases were recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka to help the Sangha maintain internal purity and discipline.

Main Content

The Dutiyaukkhittaka discourse deals with a disciplinary situation in which a bhikkhu repeats for a second time offenses related to managing the outer robe. This rule sets forth procedures and penalties (Saṅghādisesa or Pācittiya, classes of offenses requiring confession or resolution through the Sangha) according to the nature and degree of the violation.

In the Pāli Vinaya tradition, lifting up the outer robe (ukkhittaka) may relate to improper care, excessive use, or handling inconsistent with the spirit of humility in practice. The second time (dutiya) indicates that it is not an accidental fault, but intentional or repeated negligence.

The discourse clearly records the conditions for determining an offense and the public steps that the Sangha must undertake to help the bhikkhu confess and correct himself. This is evidence of the meticulousness of Theravāda Buddhism in maintaining the purity of the Sangha through specific and fair rules.