San Lo Bi Vb Sk 19Lifted Robe (2nd)

Dutiyaukkhittaka Sutta (The Folded Robe the Second Time)

Background

Dutiyaukkhittaka is part of the Sutta Vibhaṅga of the Vinaya Piṭaka, belonging to the Theravāda tradition of the Buddha-Dharma. This sutta is recorded in the sections of the Vinaya related to the Pāṭimokkha of the bhikkhunīs. The title "Lifted Robe (2nd)" or "the folded robe the second time" indicates a specific regulation concerning the handling of robes by women monastics.

The historical background of this sutta arises from rules the Buddha established to maintain discipline, cleanliness, and order in the community of monks and nuns. These rules have meaning not only in relation to hygiene and clothing, but also a deep symbolic meaning concerning discipline in the practice of the Buddha-Dharma. The sutta has been transmitted as part of the detailed rules that women monastics must observe.

Main Content

Dutiyaukkhittaka concerns the rule on how to fold and manage a robe in the practice life of women monastics. In particular, this sutta speaks of situations in which a robe is folded or arranged in an improper order, or is folded a second time without following the Buddha’s regulations.

According to the Pāli Canon, rules concerning robes are not trivial details. Rather, they reflect the principles of attention (sati), carefulness (appamāda), and respect for communal rules (saṅgha). When a woman monastic folds or manages clothing in the prescribed manner, that is an act of practicing mindfulness in daily tasks.

This sutta is also related to the principle of "ujupalokita" (standing upright) and to how nuns should maintain proper attire in accordance with the rules of practice. These details, though they may appear minor, all have a deep educational and spiritual purpose.

Practical Meaning

Dutiyaukkhittaka teaches us that there is nothing "small and worthless" on the path of practicing the Buddha-Dharma. Every action, from the way clothing is folded to daily tasks, is an opportunity to train the mind.