Lzh Mu Bi Pm Pc 141Exchanging Upper or Outer Robe

Scripture Commentary on Exchanging the Outer Robe

Background

This scripture belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Pāli Canon, the collection of disciplinary rules governing the community of monks and nuns. Specifically, it is found in the Pātimokkha, whether the Bhikkhu Pātimokkha or Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha, the code of training, the list of faults that monastics must avoid.

In early Buddhist history, matters of property and the use of requisites were important themes for pure practice. Renunciant Buddhists were not permitted to accumulate possessions, but needed minimal requisites in order to live. The robe (cīvara), the outer garment or robe of monks and nuns, was regarded as one of the five necessary requisites (pañcasampadā-damma). The matter of exchanging or changing robes from one person to another is directly connected with observance of discipline (sīla) and the avoidance of actions unsuitable for the monastic path.

This scripture was given in order to clarify the boundaries of this action, helping monastics understand when exchanging robes is appropriate and when it violates the spirit of practice.

Main Content

The specific content of this scripture has not been fully translated in the descriptive information provided. However, based on the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, this scripture revolves around the principles governing the exchange of outer robes among members of the Sangha.

According to the Theravāda tradition, rules concerning property and personal requisites were established to prevent actions that satisfy personal ambition, competition, or manipulation. A monastic may receive robes in three lawful ways: from the allocation of the Sangha, from the gift of laypeople, or from those with whom the monastic has a special relationship.

The disciplinary rule concerning the exchange of robes emphasizes that this must be done transparently and with the approval of the community.