Lzh Mu Bi Vb Sk 12Well-Covered
Pāli / Sanskrit:Suppaṭicchanna
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
SUPPAṬICCHANNA SUTTA (WELL COVERED)
Background
The Suppaṭicchanna Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, a very important body of instruction on disciplinary training in the Buddhist community. The Pāli term "Suppaṭicchanna" means "well covered" or "well protected," referring to careful management of rules concerning clothing and bodily covering for monastics.
The background from which this text arose is connected with practical issues in the life of the early Sangha. During the Buddha's lifetime, the community needed clear standards regarding dress and public conduct for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs in order to maintain the dignified image of Buddhist monastics and protect the purity of the Sangha.
Main Content
The Suppaṭicchanna Sutta focuses on details of how bhikkhus should cover the body when moving through society, attending Dharma talks, or engaging in daily activities. This includes wearing the robe properly and covering the shoulders, back, and chest in a dignified manner.
The rule states that when a bhikkhu passes through public places, attends assemblies, or meets laypeople, the body must be fully covered. This is not for concealment or indifference, but an expression of respect for sacred training, showing a noble attitude of discipline and self-awareness. This being "well covered" also has spiritual meaning: a monastic who is careful with the body will better guard the mind.
The text clearly specifies situations in which covering is required: when entering a village, when attending meetings, and when sleeping in shared rooms. In addition, permitted exceptions are noted, such as when bathing or dwelling alone in a deep forest. These rules reflect the Buddhist philosophy of moderation (avyāpajja), avoiding conduct that causes inconvenience or suspicion for others.
🌏 The Buddhist canon is vast — some sūtras (such as comparative Vinaya across schools, or untranslated Tibetan-canon texts) have to this day NEVER been translated into Vietnamese or English by anyone, scholars included. Rather than leave it blank, Inti AI offers a FAITHFUL summary grounded in the tradition — from the sūtra's title, origin and essence — so you can still reach this rare part of the treasury. Whenever an original translation exists, the app shows the original first.
Translations belong to the translator/source credited above. The bilingual compilation, presentation, and AI translations compiled by Inti are © Inti Foundation. Please attribute when quoting; do not bulk-copy or use commercially without permission.