Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Pc 131Sewing Robes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Cīvarasibbana
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DISCOURSE ON SEWING ROBES — CĪVARASIBBANA
Background
The Cīvarasibbana discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Early Buddhist tradition, within the Pātimokkha, the prohibitory rules for monastics. These are detailed practical regulations concerning the life and discipline of the Sangha, promulgated by the Buddha in response to specific incidents that occurred in the early community of practice.
The matter of sewing and mending robes (cīvara) is a regular condition of life for bhikkhus. The robe is not merely clothing to cover the body, but also a symbol of going forth, renunciation of worldly splendor, and the character of one who has left the household life. Thus the regulations concerning the making, sewing, and care of robes all carry deep meaning for practice.
Main Content
The regulation concerning sewing robes centers on the principle that monastics may sew their own robes or the robes of other monastics only with permission. When sewing robes, a monastic should not do things beyond what is appropriate to the life of practice, such as engaging in sewing in an overly professional manner or creating strange and ostentatious robe styles.
The discourse gives detailed rules concerning the size, color, and manner of cutting and sewing robes so that they accord with the standards of the Sangha. Monastics may not sew robes with the motive of profit or for trade. This prevents greed (lobha) and attachment to wrong livelihood (micchā-ājīva).
Furthermore, while sewing robes, the mind of the monastic should incline toward stillness and not become attached to technique or result. Sewing robes is a daily activity, but if done with ambition or clinging, it becomes an obstacle to practice. The discourse emphasizes that the robe is a necessary requisite (paccaya), not an object of greed.
Practical Meaning
This regulation does not speak only about the technical matter of sewing; it touches the heart of Buddhist practice: acknowledging the body’s basic needs without falling into greed or display.
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