Lzh Mu Bi Vb Np 4Used Robes

SUTTA ON USED ROBES (Purāṇacīvara)

Background

The text on Old Robes is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga section of the traditional Theravāda Pāli Canon. These are detailed regulations concerning the activities of bhikkhunīs in the monastic community, transmitted by the Buddha and his disciples in order to protect the life of wisdom and the integrity of monastics.

In the context of the Buddha’s lifetime, bhikkhunīs had to live with minimal possessions. Robes, especially old robes (purāṇa), were not only a need for survival but also a symbol of humility and renunciation. The rule on the use of old robes reflects a basic principle of Early Buddhism: simplicity and skillfulness in managing material things.

Main Content

The Purāṇacīvara text deals with specific cases related to bhikkhunīs using, choosing, and managing torn, old, or long-used robes. According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, a bhikkhunī is permitted to possess at most three basic robes: the lower robe, the double robe, and the outer robe. All must be made from pieces of cloth that have been issued or donated.

The detailed regulations in this text include the following: a bhikkhunī is not permitted to prepare or store too many old robes in order to accumulate property; when receiving an old robe as a gift, she must carry out the proper formal procedures; the "use" of an old robe must be for the proper purpose, namely wearing it or reasonably repairing it, not for profit or speculation. If the robe is too torn and no longer repairable, the bhikkhunī must dispose of it according to the rule, usually by cutting it into pieces of cloth to be used for wiping or for other purposes.

One of the emphases of the text is preventing the accumulation of property under the guise of "practice." This may become one of the Pārājika offenses, grave offenses, or Saṅghādisesa offenses, offenses requiring communal consideration, if violated with an evil intention.