Mpt Np 4Used Robes

Sutra on Old Torn Robes (Purāṇacīvara)

Background

The Purāṇacīvara Sutra belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, recorded in the Majjhima Nikāya Niddesa (Mpt Np 4). It is part of the regulations concerning the management of spiritual property in the Sangha, specifically the use and care of robes by bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs.

In early monastic life, the robe was one of the most essential requisites. The Buddha instructed his disciples not to be greedy for material things, but to regard the robe not as an adornment or source of pride, but as a practical tool for protecting the body in the course of practice. The Purāṇacīvara Sutra concerns the use of old, torn robes that are recycled, teaching the spirit of non-greed and proper management of property in the renunciant community.

Main Content

This text instructs that a bhikkhu should not throw away an old or torn robe while it can still be used. Instead, he should use sewing skills to repair, recycle, and transform worn robes into useful robes. This principle reflects the Buddha’s teaching on careful use of requisites (cīvara).

Specifically, when a robe becomes too old, torn, or worn, a bhikkhu should not greedily demand a new robe, but should know how to repair it. If it can no longer be repaired, the robe may be recycled into wiping cloths, coverings, or other useful items for the monastery. Any part of the robe may be reused and should not be wasted.

This reflects the spirit of “pasāda,” trust, between bhikkhus and the lay community. By knowing how to care for his own robes, a bhikkhu expresses respect for the offerings from the lay community, not wasting them, but relying on the spirit of humble practice.

Practical Meaning

The Purāṇacīvara Sutra teaches us that the practice of the Buddhadharma does not lie in obtaining better things, but in knowing how to use wisely what is already present.