San Sarv Bu Pm Tf 11 Sk 36Lifted Robe (2nd)

THE SUTTA ON LIFTING THE ROBE A SECOND TIME

Dutiyaukkhittaka — Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka

Background

The Sutta on Lifting the Robe a Second Time (Dutiyaukkhittaka) is a disciplinary regulation recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. This sutta belongs to the Bhikkhuni Vibhaṅga, the section detailing rules for nuns, and is especially related to the proper wearing of robes.

The background from which this rule arose is connected with the history of the Sangha in the early days after the Buddha established the fourfold assembly of disciples. The regulations concerning the way clothing is worn are not merely matters of dress, but also carry deep ethical meaning, signifying simplicity, practice, and respect for the spiritual nature of celibate conduct.

This sutta specifically refers to the second case related to lifting or loosening the robe behind the back (saṅghāṭī). This regulation arose from specific events in the community of nuns, when inappropriate expressions of dress appeared and the Buddha and senior monks needed to correct and guide them.

Main Content

In the Vinaya Piṭaka, regulations on dress are never minor matters. The Sutta on Lifting the Robe a Second Time deals with a specific situation concerning how nuns wear their robes. Here, "lifting the robe" is not simply a physical action but an expression of one’s attitude toward practice.

The Vinaya rule on dress is built upon the principle of "parisuddhisila," purity in morality. Monastics must wear robes simply, without provocation, and without inappropriately revealing parts of the body. The saṅghāṭī robe is considered the most formal form of monastic clothing, used for going on alms round, teaching the Dharma, or other solemn activities.

This sutta specifically refers to cases where nuns lift the robe in an improper way, perhaps because of the way they sit, walk, or for other reasons that lead to exposing parts of the body that should not be exposed.