Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Np 29Heavy Cloaks
Pāli / Sanskrit:Garupāvuraṇa
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The Discourse on Heavy Cloaks (Garupāvuraṇa)
Background
The Discourse on Heavy Cloaks is found in the Pātimokkha, the basic code of discipline within the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, a central part of the Theravāda dispensation. This collection records the disciplinary regulations that bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs must observe in the communal life of practice.
The Discourse on Heavy Cloaks concerns practical details about clothing and the covering of the body by those gone forth. This is not a trivial matter, but reflects a profound principle of Theravāda Buddhism: humility, the preservation of meritorious virtue, and avoiding hindrance to others in practice. The fact that the Buddha specifically regulated heavy, long, or overly covering cloaks shows his attention to every detail in the life of practice.
Main Content
In the Vinaya Piṭaka, regulations on clothing have various purposes. Heavy cloaks (garupāvuraṇa) are garments made of thick cloth, covering many parts of the body or having great weight. The discourse stipulates that bhikkhus should not wear such cloaks when attending community meetings, especially Upasampadā ceremonies or assemblies of monastics.
The basic reason is to avoid ostentation or conceit. A heavy and overly elaborate garment can create the impression of wealth, power, or difference in status. This is contrary to the spirit of the Four Noble Truths and the path of practice leading to nirvana. Bhikkhus should dress simply and humbly, without attracting unnecessary attention.
The discourse also relates to regulations on properly covering the body during formal occasions. Robes are prescribed to cover the knees, if they are long robes, or to accord with specific standards. If someone wears a robe that is too heavy or too wide and does not observe these rules, they may be disciplined or admonished.
Practical Meaning
Although this discourse speaks about a specific matter of clothing, more deeply it is a lesson about mental attitude and self-discipline.
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