Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Pc 71Robe Size
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sugatacīvara
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Sugatacīvara Discourse - The Rule on the Size of Robes in the Dwelling Place
Background
The Sugatacīvara discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically the Pātimokkha Samvarā (Rules of Restraint) for monastics. This is one of the rules related to managing the material possessions of renunciants. The background for the appearance of this discourse is connected with practical issues in the life of the Sangha at dwelling places (saṅghārāma).
In the early period of the Sangha, Buddhism was concerned not only with transcendent matters, but also with setting down concrete regulations to maintain discipline and harmony within the monastic community. Rules concerning requisites (objects, especially the robe) are an important part of the Vinaya, reflecting the practicality and wisdom of the Buddha and his disciples.
Main Content
The Sugatacīvara discourse fundamentally regulates the standard size of the robe (cīvara) used in a communal dwelling place. The word “Sugata” refers to the Buddha (Tathagata), while “cīvara” is the robe, one of the three basic requisites of a renunciant (the three robes: uttarāsaṅga, antaravāsaka, saṃghāṭī).
According to the spirit of the Early Buddhist Vinaya, the precepts were not laid down arbitrarily by the Buddha, but usually arose from specific incidents. In this case, perhaps some monastics used robes of inappropriate size in a communal dwelling place, causing inconvenience or disputes over the use of shared property. The Buddha gave clear guidance so that monastics would follow a unified standard.
This is not an absolute prohibition, but a regulation intended to protect communal harmony and avoid disputes over property. Maintaining uniformity in small details such as robe size serves a greater purpose: preserving the nature of the Sangha as a place where practitioners can concentrate on the path of liberation.
Practical Meaning
Although this discourse concerns an administrative detail, it contains profound lessons. The renunciant life is not a life without order, but a life wisely organized.
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