Lzh Mu Bu Pm Sk 41Lifted Robe

Ukkhittaka Sutta (The Lifted Robe)

Context

The Ukkhittaka Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition and lies in the section regulating violations of discipline by monks and nuns. The Vinaya Piṭaka was compiled to protect the purity of the Sangha and maintain the way of practice in accordance with the Buddha’s teaching.

The title “Ukkhittaka” means “The Lifted Robe,” evoking a specific action related to the clothing of bhikkhus or bhikkhunīs. In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, details concerning how to wear clothing and use the common property of monks and nuns are carefully regulated, because these actions reflect the attitude of reverence, discipline, and practice of the renunciant.

Vinaya suttas usually appear after a specific event has taken place. A bhikkhu or group of bhikkhus committed a fault related to lifting the robe improperly or with an intention inconsistent with the modesty of a renunciant. The Buddha then gave instruction or established a specific rule to teach and prevent similar conduct in the future.

Main Content

Although the detailed content of the Ukkhittaka Sutta has not yet been fully translated from the original Pāli in the present material, we may understand that this sutta concerns a rule about wearing the outer robe (uttarāsaṅga) or other garments of a bhikkhu.

In the Buddhist Vinaya Piṭaka, the robe is not a trivial matter. The clothing of a practitioner is regarded as an expression of discipline, humility, and reverence for the Three Jewels. Wearing the robe improperly, covering the body in an unsuitable way, or showing pride through clothing are all regarded as violations of the nature of the Dharma for a renunciant.

The Ukkhittaka Sutta teaches that a bhikkhu must always maintain a humble appearance, covering the body appropriately and not exposing the flesh either unintentionally or deliberately.