Lzh Mu Bu Pm Np 27Haste-Cloth

The Haste-Cloth Sutta (Accekacīvara)

Background

The Haste-Cloth Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, one of the important rules established by Śākyamuni Buddha for the community of bhikkhunīs. This text arose from a specific event when bhikkhunīs in the city of Sāvatthī hurriedly sewed robes without following the rule on the standard size.

This historical background reflects the difference between mindful intention and heedlessness. The Vinaya Piṭaka does not regulate only outward action, but also teaches the basic spirit of Buddhist practice: care, awareness, and respect for the communal rules. The regulations on robes in the Vinaya Piṭaka are not meaningless restraints, but tools that help practitioners maintain discipline in mind and action.

Main Content

The Haste-Cloth Sutta records the incident of bhikkhunīs hastily sewing robes and forgetting the standards of size established in the Vinaya. The robe of a Buddhist monastic must follow certain standards of size and weaving, not in order to create luxurious clothing but to symbolize renunciation of sensual desire and the hardship endured by one who has gone forth.

When the Buddha heard of this matter, he gave a warning. The rule that was laid down emphasizes that making a robe cannot be hurried or careless. Each step in the process of making a robe must be carried out with mindfulness (satī), with clear understanding of the rules that have been established. Haste not only leads to products that fail to meet the standards, but also reflects a restless mind, no longer focused on the core of practice.

This rule is also connected with respect for the common property of the monastic community (Sangha). A robe is not private property alone, but an item supported by the community; therefore, making it must be worthy of the trust and support of the Buddhist community.