San Sarv Bu Pm Finot Sk 37Lifted Robe
Pāli / Sanskrit:Ukkhittaka
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Ukkhittaka Sutra (The Robe Lifted Up)
Background
The Ukkhittaka Sutra belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravada Buddhist tradition. The Vinaya Pitaka is the collection of disciplinary regulations (Sīla) for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. This sutra concerns rules regarding the clothing of those gone forth, especially the proper way to wear the upper robe (uttarāsaṅga) in different circumstances.
According to the Theravada tradition, regulations on clothing reflect a fundamental principle: one gone forth must maintain simplicity, purity, and respect for the standards of the Sangha. The upper robe (uttarāsaṅga) is one of the three main robes that a bhikkhu must carry, and the way it is worn is an expression of personal discipline.
Main Content
The Ukkhittaka Sutra regulates cases in which the upper robe is lifted up or left loose in an improper way. Specifically, this sutra identifies situations in which, if a bhikkhu lets his robe be lifted too high, exposing parts of the body that should not be exposed, this violates the rules of purity and discipline.
These regulations are not major offenses (pārājika or saṅghādisesa), but they are still behaviors that bhikkhus must avoid. They belong to the category of lesser regulations (dukkaṭa or pācittiya), reflecting attention to detail in the conduct of a practitioner.
The main points of this rule are: first, the upper robe must be worn properly, covering the body in a suitable way; second, the robe should not be left loose or lifted up in a provocative or careless manner; third, observing these rules signifies respect for the practice and respect for the other members of the Sangha.
Practical Meaning
The Ukkhittaka Sutra teaches that discipline is not an arbitrary constraint, but a means that helps practitioners develop mindfulness (sati) and clear comprehension (sampajañña) in every action. Attending to the way the robe is worn is an exercise in "sati-sampajañña," full awareness of one's conduct.
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