Lzh Mu Bu Pm Np 5Used Robes

THE SUTTA ON USED ROBES (PURĀṆACĪVARA)

Background

The Purāṇacīvara Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, recorded in the Pāli Canon. It is one of the rules concerning the life of practice of monks and nuns, especially regulations on clothing and material requisites for those who have gone forth.

In the context of early Buddhism, clothing was not only a practical matter of daily life, but also an important part of training on the path. Old clothing (purāṇa) in this text represents the spirit of non-greed, non-pretension, and contentment with what is available, core principles of Buddhism.

The historical formation of these rules is connected with specific situations that occurred in the community of monks and nuns during the Buddha’s time. Each rule (pātimokkha) has an origin story (aetihāsa) explaining why it was established. The text on old robes reflects the balance between practical needs and the spirit of practice.

Main Content

The Purāṇacīvara Sutta states that monks and nuns are permitted to use old clothing that has already been used. This is not a harsh requirement, but a guideline encouraging thrift and non-abuse of material things.

According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, the official set of requisites of a monk is called nissaya (necessities), including a robe, lower garment, foot covering, belt, and bag. Clothing is one of the five indispensable requisites (pañca-nissaya). However, what is emphasized in the text is not that a robe must be new or expensive, but that it must cover the body properly and serve the purpose of practice.

Robes that are reused, repaired, and carefully maintained are regarded as in accord with the spirit of Buddhism. This reflects the principle of santuṭṭhi (contentment, knowing sufficiency), one of the important factors in practicing the Noble Eightfold Path.