Lzh Mu Bi Pm Np 32Heavy Cloaks

SUTRA ON THE HEAVY CLOAK (Garupāvuraṇa)

Context

This sutra is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Nisaggiya Pācittiya section, the expiable rules requiring forfeiture, of the Vinaya for monks and nuns, in which the Buddha taught about the use of clothing by bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. The Vinaya Piṭaka is one of the three principal baskets of early Buddhist Dharma, recording the precepts and instructions established by the Buddha Śākyamuni for the community of monks and nuns.

The Garupāvuraṇa Sutra arose from a specific situation in which bhikkhus in the community were using heavy, imposing robes beyond what was necessary. Instead of simple robes of practice, suitable to the spirit of renunciation, they wore heavy garments, perhaps for display, for excessive warmth, or because of habits from their lay life. The Buddha, with unsurpassed wisdom, saw that this action was contrary to the spirit of practice and was an expression of attachment and self-importance.

Main Content

The sutra teaches that wearing heavy clothing beyond actual need is an action unsuitable to the practice of the Dharma. Bhikkhus should use the upper robe (uttarāsaṅga), the outer robe (saṅghāti), and the inner robe (antarvāsaka) with moderation, simplicity, and without elaboration. Possessing or wearing robes that are too heavy, too imposing, or beyond the three basic prescribed robes constitutes a Nisaggiya Pācittiya offense, an expiable rule requiring forfeiture of the property (nisaggiya means “loss of ownership”).

If a bhikkhu wears a heavy cloak that is not suitable to actual need, he must forfeit that cloak, report the fault to another bhikkhu, and acknowledge that he has violated the rule. This is not a harsh punishment, but a mechanism of self-awareness enabling the monastic to return to the proper path of practice.

Practical Meaning

The Garupāvuraṇa Sutra teaches the practice of diligence (appamāda), which is carefulness and non-negligence in every detail of the life of practice.