Lzh Mi Bu Vb Np 5Used Robes

The Sutta on Old Robes (Purāṇacīvara)

Background

The section on Old Robes (Purāṇacīvara) is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of Theravāda Buddhism, specifically within the Vinaya Piṭaka, and concerns regulations related to monastic dress in the community of monks and nuns. In the Buddha's time, the dwellings of the bhikkhus were still harsh and their clothing simple, so the Teacher gave specific rules on how his disciples were to use and maintain their robes.

This section arose from a specific incident: a bhikkhu wore a robe so old and worn out that it caused discomfort to himself and his fellow practitioners. The Buddha then clearly defined standards for the length of time a robe should be used, how it should be cared for, and when it could be considered "old" (purāṇa) and thus be discarded or passed on to someone else.

Main Content

The rule on Old Robes states that a bhikkhu may discard or give away his robe only when it has been used long enough and is truly no longer usable. Specifically, a robe is considered "old" (purāṇa) after being worn continuously for a certain period, or when it has become substantially damaged.

The detailed regulation includes this: a bhikkhu may not carelessly abandon or throw away a robe at any time, but must do so with the witnessing of, or notice to, the community. When the robe is genuinely damaged, he may carry out the act of transfer (nikkujjana) to give the robe to another monk or place it into the Sangha's common fund.

The important point is that the Buddha-Dharma does not encourage attachment to possessions, including the requisites of practice. A robe is a necessary item for covering the body and protecting health, but if it no longer serves that purpose, keeping it becomes wasteful and an obstacle. Thus this rule encourages the spirit of impermanence (anicca) and non-self (anattā) among bhikkhus.

Practical Meaning

The section on Old Robes teaches us a profound lesson about letting go and using material things wisely.