San Lo Bi Vb Np 20Light Cloaks

The Light Cloak Sutta (Lahupāvuraṇa)

Background

The Light Cloak Sutta belongs to the Nissaggiya Pācittiya section, Forfeiture and Confession, of the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda tradition. These are instructions in the Pātimokkha, the Tibetan code prescribed for monastics. This sutta sets forth one of the rules concerning the use of undercloth, material for robes before they have officially been sewn.

The historical context of the sutta is the time when the Buddha was still alive, when some monks tended to exploit loopholes in the discipline to satisfy ambition or laziness. They used temporary light pieces of cloth instead of official robes provided by the Sangha. This violated the spirit of managing common property and the unity of monastic discipline. The Buddha therefore declared these instructions to protect both individual purity and collective harmony.

Main Content

The rule concerning the Light Cloak (lahupāvuraṇa) instructs that monks are not permitted to use temporary cloaks that have not been officially sewn according to the regulations of the Sangha, especially pieces of cloth called “light cloaks,” light cloth coverings used for temporary purposes.

If any monk violates this, using such a light cloak without a valid reason or keeping it too long beyond the permitted period, he must perform three steps: first, he must actively acknowledge the fault; second, he must relinquish the article; third, he must confess before the Sangha or before a monk appointed by the Sangha.

An important point in the sutta is the distinction between intentional and unintentional error. If a monk uses a light cloak without knowing that this is an offense, then relinquishing the article is sufficient. However, if he knows and still uses it, the fault is heavier and requires deep confession.

Practical Meaning

The Light Cloak Sutta teaches us responsibility toward common property and respect for the regulations of the community of practice.