Xct Mu Bi Pm Np 32Heavy Cloaks

The Discourse on Heavy Cloaks (Garupāvuraṇa)

Background

This discourse appears in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga (the Section on Nuns' Rules) within the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, where the rules of training for the community of bhikkhunīs are recorded. During the time when the Blessed One still dwelt in the world, he established specific regulations concerning the use of robes, in order to ensure discipline, diligent practice, and the avoidance of misconduct with regard to possessions or luxury.

A heavy cloak (garupāvuraṇa) is understood to mean a type of robe that is thick, heavy, of high value, or overly adorned. This was no minor matter, for robes are among the four basic requisites accepted by the Sangha (the four requisites). However, the use of robes is not in itself a mark of genuine virtue, but merely a means of supporting the practice.

Main Content

The discourse prescribes that bhikkhunīs ought not to make use of robes that are excessively heavy or overly luxurious, for several reasons. First, heavy robes easily cause the wearer to feel burdened and uncomfortable, thereby obstructing concentration in meditation (samādhi) and the cultivation of the true Dharma. Second, the seeking or maintaining of luxurious robes can give rise to craving, agitating the mind and causing one to deviate from the purpose of the going-forth.

Furthermore, the Blessed One emphasized that wearing robes that are excessively heavy or ornate may create a mistaken impression among those outside the tradition, causing the conduct of the bhikkhunī to be doubted or to lose the respect it would otherwise command. Therefore, robes should be simple, light, suited to the season, and sufficient only to cover the body and protect one's health.

This discourse also addresses specific actions that are forbidden or restricted, such as seeking to obtain luxurious robes, retaining such robes without necessity, or donning a covering without necessity.