Lzh Mu Bu Pm Np 13A New Blanket Should Have Mixed Colors
Pāli / Sanskrit:Dvebhāga
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THE DVEBHĀGA SUTTA: A NEW CLOAK WITH TWO PARTS OF COLOR
Background
The Dvebhāga Sutta (Two Parts) is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga. It is one of the rules concerning practical aspects of the monastic life, especially the use and care of basic requisites for nuns.
The background of the event is as follows: at that time, the Buddha was staying at a certain monastery, and a nun received a new cloak (cīvara) from a female lay follower. Because of limited means, or for some other reason, the place where the robe was woven had only two different color sections. The question arose: would using such a two-colored cloak violate the rules of simplicity and non-sensuality that nuns were required to observe?
This is not merely a minor regulation; it reflects the profound philosophy of Buddhist discipline: applying the principle of the Middle Way to daily acts, not being overly severe about outward form, yet not letting the mind incline toward ornamentation and desire.
Main Content
After considering the situation, the Buddha approved the use of a new cloak with two different color sections. This was not prohibited and was not regarded as a violation of the discipline. This regulation is recorded as a decision (adhikaraṇa) in the process of completing the Vinaya Piṭaka.
The key point in this decision is that Buddhism does not prohibit essential items merely because they are not entirely plain or because they have more than one color. The criterion is not absolute outward appearance, but the purpose of use and the mental attitude of the user. A cloak with two parts of color is still an object serving the purpose of covering the body and protecting health; it does not encourage display or sensual desire.
The Dvebhāga Sutta therefore reflects the flexibility of Buddhism in applying the discipline.
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