Upp Sk 15Lifted Robe (2nd)

The Dutiyaukkhittaka Sutta: On the Robe Being Lifted Up (The Second Time)

Background

Dutiyaukkhittaka belongs to the Uppannakhandhaka of the Vinaya Piṭaka, an important part of the Pāli Canon in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not merely a collection of rigid rules, but a historical and ethical record of the specific circumstances that led to the establishment of precepts for the Sangha.

This sutta is translated with the title "Lifted Robe (2nd)," or "The Robe Being Lifted Up (The Second Time)," reflecting a situation related to the way bhikkhus wore their robes, a seemingly minor detail that nevertheless bears profound meaning for the discipline and culture of the Sangha. This is the second time the matter is raised, showing that the behavior had occurred repeatedly and received the Buddha's particular attention.

Situations in the Uppannakhandhaka often arise from improper or controversial actions in the bhikkhu community, from which the Buddha promulgated the patimokkha rules in order to maintain discipline and respect.

Main Content

The specific content of the Dutiyaukkhittaka Sutta has not yet been fully translated from the original Pāli Canon. However, according to the context of the Uppannakhandhaka, the matter of the "robe being lifted up" concerns unruly bhikkhus raising their robes inappropriately, perhaps in non-ritual situations or for display.

In the Theravāda tradition, the saṅghāti robe, the bhikkhu's robe consisting of three pieces of cloth, is not merely an object of use, but a symbol of renunciation and discipline. The way the robe is worn reflects the respect and mindfulness of a bhikkhu. Lifting the robe improperly may be regarded as an act lacking respect or as provocative conduct.

When this situation recurred (the second time), the Buddha intervened to issue specific guidance on the proper way to wear the robe, ensuring that the Sangha maintained consistency, dignity, and adherence to discipline.