San Lo Bi Vb Sk 8Lifted Robe
Pāli / Sanskrit:Ukkhittaka
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Explanation of the Ukkhittaka Sutta (Lifted Robe)
Background
The Ukkhittaka Sutta is recorded in the Vinaya of early Buddhism, specifically among the regulations governing the lives of monks and nuns. The title “Lifted Robe” relates to an incident concerning the way the robe (Pāli: cīvara) is used and worn, one of the three basic requisites of monks and nuns in Buddhism. The historical picture of this sutta reflects real situations that occurred in the early monastic community, when the Buddha and his disciples needed to establish specific rules of conduct to maintain discipline.
The regulations concerning robes are not only a matter of clothing, but also express practice, self-restraint, and guarding of the sense faculties. The regulation of how the robe is worn reflects the view of the Buddhist Dharma: the body should be cared for reasonably and respectfully, neither exposed nor luxurious. The Ukkhittaka Sutta records a case of violation or dispute related to lifting the robe too high or using the robe improperly.
Main Content
The Ukkhittaka Sutta concerns the Pātimokkha regulations (Pāli: Pātimokkha), the basic prohibitions that monks and nuns must observe. Specifically, this sutta addresses the case of a monk or nun intentionally or unintentionally lifting the robe too high, exposing parts of the body that should not be exposed. This may be improper conduct or lack of vigilance, depending on the specific context.
In that context, the Buddha or the elders (Pāli: thera) determined that wearing the robe loosely, without proper covering, is not suitable for one gone forth. The robe of one gone forth must express humility and must not aim at attracting attention or sensual interest from others. This sutta therefore sets clear standards for wearing the robe: the robe must cover the body appropriately and express a disciplined and respectful state of mind.
This regulation is also related to guarding the sense faculties (Pāli: indriya-saṃvara), one of the important factors of practice in early Buddhism.
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