San Mu Bu Pm GBM 3 Pc 86Upholstery
Pāli / Sanskrit:Tūlonaddha
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The Tūlonaddha Sutta — Explanation of Cotton Cloth and Auxiliary Materials
Background
The Tūlonaddha sutta (Pali: tūla = cotton, cotton cloth; naddha = bound, used) is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha section — the basic code for monastics in Theravada Buddhism. This is a Vinaya sutta that gives detailed regulations on materials permitted for use in the monastery, especially concerning garments, robes, and daily implements of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs.
The sutta was transmitted from the time of the Buddha and his direct disciples, reflecting specific guidance on a humble way of life far removed from luxury. In the Buddha’s time, monastics commonly used the simplest natural materials: cotton cloth, linen, and freely woven fibers from nature. These regulations arose from the Buddha’s compassion, wishing to protect his disciples from greed and from easily falling into luxury — the greatest obstacle on the path of practice.
Main Content
The Tūlonaddha sutta states that monastics are permitted to use only coarse cotton cloth (tūla) and types of cloth woven from natural fibers to make the robe (civara). Cloths that are too soft, smooth, or dyed in bright colors such as purple, dark blue, or red are not permitted.
The deep reason for this regulation is to maintain the spirit of solitary life (ekasaraṇa) and separation from the secular world. Coarse cotton cloth — called “banana-striped cloth” or “humble cloth” — is not only easy to find in the community, but also symbolizes a simple mind that does not pursue outward appearance. These regulations express a basic principle in the Vinaya Pitaka: “Having little is enough” (appicchata).
The sutta clearly states a detailed list of the kinds of cloth that may be used and those that are prohibited.
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