釋門章服儀 1.46

1.46

Answer: "Where the authentic teachings apply, there is both principle and text. As stated in the Samantapāsādikā: 'If a robe is damaged in the middle, sew the two ends together, cut it open with a knife, add borders and wear it, and the transmission of receiving it is not lost; even if one or two strips [are damaged], mend it with cloth patches.' As in the Dharmaguptaka Vinaya, if a tear reaches two fingerbreadths, it must be mended. As explained in the Śāstra, if it is washed and re-dyed, in neither case is the receiving lost. As in the Sarvāstivāda-śāstra, even if it is completely torn, as long as the borders are not broken, the Dharma [of the robe] is not lost. These are elaborated in the Commentary on the Vinaya."