Upp Np 5Used Robes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Purāṇacīvara
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The Sutta on Old Robes (Purāṇacīvara)
Context
In the Vinaya Piṭaka of early Buddhism, regulations concerning the clothing of the Sangha are recorded in detail in order to nourish the spirit of humility and renunciation. The Purāṇacīvara Sutta, the rule on old robes, is one of the regulations in the Nissaggiya Pācittiya section, offenses that can be purified through relinquishment. This discourse belongs to the Upakkilesa Nipāta, the section on disturbances, and serves the purpose of guiding monastics to live purely.
The rule concerning old robes arose from specific incidents in the monastic community, when certain teachers took possession of the clothing of their disciples or were greedy for valuable robe material. The Blessed Buddha promptly established rules to protect the spirit of renunciation and fairness in the community.
Main Content
The discourse states that when a monastic possesses an old robe (purāṇa-cīvara), that is, clothing that has already been used, he must observe certain conditions in keeping and using it. Specifically, old robes must not be used for accumulating enjoyment or exchanged for personal benefit, especially not used as objects of trade with laypeople.
According to the spirit of the monastic discipline (Vinaya), the possessions of monastics, including clothing, must be regarded as instruments of practice, not objects of ownership. A monastic should be completely free from attachment to clothing, whether it is new or old. If a monastic exploits old robes for gain or causes conflict in the community, he commits a Nissaggiya Pācittiya offense, an offense requiring relinquishment of the article used for an improper purpose, followed by confession before the Sangha.
This rule is intended to protect three basic matters: first, maintaining the spirit of renouncing possessions; second, preventing greed and attachment; third, preserving harmony and trust in the monastic community.
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