Lzh Mi Bu Pm Pc 90Robe Size

Sutta on Robe Size (Sugatacīvara)

Background

The Sugatacīvara Sutta, or “Robe Size,” belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. In the Vinaya, regulations concerning the clothing of monks and nuns are not merely practical matters but also reflect the spirit of training and the communal discipline of the Sangha.

This sutta is presented in the context of the Buddha and the early disciples. As the Sangha developed, monastics began to wear garments in various ways. Some used cloth that was too broad, too long, or too ornamented; this could have the opposite effect, increasing conceit or causing inconvenience in the life of practice. Therefore, the Buddha laid down specific guidance concerning the size of the robe (cīvara) in order to maintain modesty and practicality.

Main Content

The specific content of this sutta has not yet been fully translated in the available data; however, according to the general context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, the rule concerning robe size revolves around several basic principles.

First, a robe should not be too broad or too long, lest it become cumbersome or make movement difficult. A suitable garment helps a monk or nun move easily, perform rites, and practice meditation without obstruction. Second, this rule prevents straying into ornamentation or overvaluing outward form. The clothing of a Buddhist renunciant should be simple, easy to maintain, and expressive of the spirit of renouncing wandering desires.

Third, the rule concerning the size of the robe is also related to economic practicality. A robe that is too long requires more cloth and wastes resources. More deeply, this relates to the nature of practice: a practitioner should know how to regulate himself or herself according to circumstances, not always demanding that everything conform to personal wishes.

Practical Meaning

In modern practice, the Sugatacīvara Sutta teaches us that small details also have profound meaning.