Making an oversize robe (PLI-TV-BU-VB-PC92)

Theravāda Collection on Monastic Law

The Great Analysis

The chapter on offenses entailing confession

The subchapter on precious things

Making an oversize robe

Origin story

At one time the Buddha was staying at Sāvatthī in the Jeta Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s Monastery.

At that time there was a handsome and graceful monk called Venerable Nanda, the Buddha’s cousin. He was seven centimeters shorter than the Buddha,¹

but he wore a robe that was the same size as the Buddha’s.²

When the senior monks saw him coming,

they thought it was the Buddha and got up from their seats.

But when he came close, they realized who it was, and they complained and criticized him,

“How can Venerable Nanda wear a robe the same size as the Buddha’s?” …

“Is it true, Nanda, that you do this?”

“It’s true, sir.”

The Buddha rebuked him …

“Nanda, how can you do this?

This will affect people’s confidence …” …

“And, monks, this training rule should be recited like this:

Final ruling

‘If a monk has a robe made that is the standard robe size or larger, it is to be cut down, and he commits an offense entailing confession.³

This is the standard robe size: nine standard handspans long and six wide.’”

Definitions

A:

whoever …

Monk:

… The monk who has been given the full ordination by a unanimous Sangha through a legal procedure consisting of one motion and three announcements that is irreversible and fit to stand—this sort of monk is meant in this case.

The standard robe size:

nine standard handspans long and six wide.

Has made:

if he makes one or has one made, then for the effort there is an act of wrong conduct.

When he gets it, it is to be cut down, and he is then to confess an offense entailing confession.

Permutations

If he finishes what he began himself, he commits an offense entailing confession.

If he has others finish what he began himself, he commits an offense entailing confession.

If he finishes himself what was begun by others, he commits an offense entailing confession.

If he has others finish what was begun by others, he commits an offense entailing confession.

If he makes one or has one made for the benefit of someone else, he commits an offense of wrong conduct.

If he gets one that was made by someone else and then uses it, he commits an offense of wrong conduct.

Non-offenses

There is no offense:

if he makes it smaller than the standard robe;

if he gets one made by another that is too large and then cuts it down before using it;

if he makes a canopy, a floor cover, a cloth screen, a mattress, or a pillow;

if he is insane;

if he is the first offender.

The training rule on making an oversize robe, the tenth, is finished.

The ninth subchapter on precious things is finished.

This is the summary:

“And a king’s, precious things, available,

Needle, and bed, cotton down;

And sitting mat, and itch,

Rainy-season, and by the standard.”

“Venerables, the ninety-two rules on confession have been recited.

In regard to this I ask you,

‘Are you pure in this?’

A second time I ask,

‘Are you pure in this?’

A third time I ask,

‘Are you pure in this?’

You are pure in this and therefore silent. I will remember it thus.”

The section on minor rules has been completed.

The chapter on offenses entailing confession is finished.