San Lo Bu Pm Pc 29Sewing Robes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Cīvarasibbana
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THE DISCOURSE ON SEWING AND MENDING ROBES (Cīvarasibbana)
Background
The Discourse on Sewing and Mending Robes (Cīvarasibbana) is one of the important regulations concerning the discipline of the monastic community in the Theravāda Vinaya tradition. This regulation is found in the Pātimokkha, the list of 227 precepts for bhikkhus and the accompanying rules for bhikkhunīs.
The background for the arising of this regulation concerns the sewing and mending of robes by bhikkhus. In the Buddha’s time, Buddhist monastics needed to maintain monastic clothing appropriate to a humble way of life and not troublesome to the community. The rule on how to sew and mend robes not only ensured personal discipline but also expressed the spirit of the Sangha: harmony and unity in the community of practice.
According to the Theravāda tradition, this regulation was recorded in detail in the ancient canons, reflecting the Buddha’s concern for every detail of the monastic life, from the smallest matters to the greatest principles.
Main Content
The Discourse on Sewing and Mending Robes states that bhikkhus must observe certain limits when sewing, mending, or repairing clothing. The robe (cīvara) in Theravāda Buddhism is not merely ordinary clothing, but a symbol of going forth and of commitment to the life of practice.
According to the rule, bhikkhus are not permitted to sew robes arbitrarily or for improper reasons. This is meant to prevent attachment to shape, color, or quality of cloth, things that easily give rise to ambition and pride. In addition, the rule also requires bhikkhus to have confirmation or permission from the community (Sangha) in necessary cases.
This regulation is also related to communal property. When bhikkhus use common monastery requisites, they must observe limits to ensure that property is used reasonably and fairly. Sewing robes in a way that does not satisfy the prescribed standards may be regarded as a violation of the rules concerning the use of property.
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