Lzh Sarv Bu Vb Pc 90Robe Size

Robe Size (Sugatacīvara) — Commentary

Background

This text is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Canon, specifically within the Pācittiya (rules entailing offenses requiring confession). This is the most detailed section of Vinaya in the Buddha-Dharma, whose purpose is to regulate the way of life of bhikkhus and bhikkhunis in order to protect the Saṅgha and create the most favorable conditions for practice.

The background of the Sugatacīvara relates to the management of robes within the monastic community. During the time of the Buddha, bhikkhus did not possess personal property; robes were provided by the lay community or obtained from discarded material. In order to prevent greed and disputes over the quality or quantity of robes, the Blessed One established specific standards regarding their size and manner of use.

This rule, like many other provisions within the Pācittiya, reflects the Buddha's care in building a monastic community of strict discipline, one in which every detail of life — including robes — is oriented toward the Dharma and liberation, rather than toward personal comfort.

Main Content

The Robe Size (Sugatacīvara) sutta establishes the appropriate dimensions of robes that a bhikkhu is permitted to use. According to the Vinaya, if a bhikkhu possesses more robes than the standard allows, or if a robe exceeds the prescribed dimensions, and he makes use of it in an improper manner or pays excessive attention to grooming his outward appearance, this gives rise to a Pācittiya offense.

Specifically, this rule pertains to the prohibition against a bhikkhu fashioning or requesting robes of dimensions that are excessively wide or long beyond what is necessary. The purpose is to avoid ostentation, drawing undue attention, or displaying attachment to fine things. A bhikkhu's robes must be simple and fitting to the body, so that the work of practice is not impeded.