Xct Mu Bi Pm Pc 147Exchanging Upper or Outer Robe
Pāli / Sanskrit:Exchanging upper or outer robe
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The Sutta on Exchanging the Outer Robe
Background
This passage is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, especially in the monastic discipline or disciplinary procedures, where detailed principles for managing the garments of bhikkhus are recorded. In the Theravāda tradition, the Vinaya Piṭaka is not merely a restrictive code, but a humane guide intended to maintain the order of the Sangha and cultivate diligence and freedom from desire.
The context of this passage arose from real situations in the Sangha community. The Buddha saw that in the course of practice, the possession and exchange of property, especially items that signify status such as the outer robe (uttarāsaṅga), could become obstacles to liberation. Therefore, he established clear rules on how to handle communal and personal property.
Main Content
The rule on exchanging the outer robe in the monastic discipline states that bhikkhus may not casually exchange or give away their outer robe without observing certain conditions. The outer robe (uttarāsaṅga) is one of the three essential robes of a bhikkhu, together with the lower robe (antaravāsaka) and the outer cloak (saṃghāṭī). It represents the dignity of one who has gone forth.
According to this sutta, when a bhikkhu wishes to exchange his outer robe, he must inform the Sangha community and may make the exchange only with consent. If a bhikkhu exchanges the outer robe without a legitimate reason, such as when the robe is old, torn, or unsuitable, or if he does so with the intention of seeking gain, this is a violation. Violations related to Sangha property are regarded as serious because they concern a breach of trust.
This is not unreasonable strictness. The Buddha taught that the management of communal property must be transparent and fair, especially with items offered to the entire community.
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