Lzh Mu Bi Vb Sk 17Lifted Robe
Pāli / Sanskrit:Ukkhittaka
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Ukkhittaka Sutta (The Lifted Robe)
Background
The Ukkhittaka Sutta is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, the analysis of the discipline for bhikkhunīs. This is the section of the Vinaya that regulates in detail the conduct of female monastics in the Buddhist Sangha.
This text arose from a specific incident: a bhikkhunī allowed her robe, the monastic Dharma garment, to become exposed outwardly in the course of daily activities, either unknowingly or by deliberately failing to adjust it. This was considered an undignified act, unsuitable to the vocation of one who had gone forth and received the precepts.
The Buddha, with compassion and the nourishing quality of loving-kindness (mettā), gave instruction and established a disciplinary rule to help his disciples maintain respect for themselves, for the Sangha, and for the community of practitioners.
Main Content
In the record of the Vinaya Piṭaka, the Buddha approved the rule that all bhikkhunīs must keep their robe (uttarāsaṅga) properly arranged. This robe must not be allowed to ride up, become exposed outwardly, or hang loosely below the standard manner of the Sangha.
The detailed regulation states that when a bhikkhunī wears the robe, she must ensure that no part of the body, except the arms and face, is exposed inappropriately. In particular, the shoulders, chest, and other areas need to be carefully protected by the monastic robe.
This rule does not stop at technical details of wearing a robe, but is directly connected with the spirit of mental cultivation (bhāvanā). Maintaining proper attire expresses respect for the dwelling place (vihāra), for the Sangha (saṃgha), and for those who trust and support the community. It is an expression of sati, mindfulness, in even the smallest action.
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