Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Pc 70Robe Size

Sutta on the Size of Robes (Sugatacīvara)

Background

This sutta is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha section of the Theravāda tradition. In the early period of the Sangha, as Buddhism developed, matters concerning monastic life were regulated in detail to ensure discipline and conformity with the spirit of practice.

The rule on robe size arose from a specific event. At that time, some monastics made clothing that was too large, giving an unclean appearance and not fitting the nature of one who has gone forth. Oversized clothing could give rise to arrogance or create an improper image. The Blessed One, recognizing this, established limits on size in order to maintain humility and propriety among the Sangha.

This regulation is not a strict precept among the basic five or eight precepts, but a practical guideline (Dhamma-vinaya) helping monastics preserve the spirit of practice and create a wholesome image of the Order.

Main Content

According to the regulation on robe size, the monastic robe (cīvara) must be of moderate size, not too large. Specifically, the length of the robe must not exceed the distance from the ear to the feet when the arm hangs down. The width must be just enough to wrap around the body without needing too many folds or being excessively broad.

The purpose of this regulation does not lie in controlling property, though robes that are too large waste cloth and material resources, but chiefly concerns humility and refinement in outward appearance. A robe that is too wide may make a monastic appear proud or create an unpleasant impression for others. Conversely, a robe that is too tight may cause difficulty in daily life and practice.

Robes are regarded as one of the five basic needs of monastics, the five supports for sustaining the life of renunciants: robes, food, lodging, medicine, and water.