釋門歸敬儀 2.21

2.21

Fifth, explaining baring the right shoulder. This is also called partially exposing the right shoulder, or partially baring one shoulder. What is termed "baring" means baring the flesh. It indicates following and relying upon learning, having duties of manual service, just as in secular customs shortening the right sleeve is convenient for work. Nowadays, all monks generally wear robes and jackets, and few bare the three robes; consequently, they cut open their jackets into two pieces and call this "jacket-baring." In this case, both the name and its underlying meaning are lost, and it cannot be traced to tradition. When conducting rites, they bare one shoulder while still having the jacket and robe underneath; this is not the method of baring and exposing [the flesh]. Therefore, the Mahālaṃkāra-śāstra states: "The sons of the Śākya who are śramaṇas have black right shoulders," which refers to this. Non-Buddhists are entirely black [from the sun], whereas śramaṇas expose only the right [shoulder]; hence there is a difference. In the Vinaya there are only the three robes, covering both shoulders when worn; when meeting an elder, one bares the right shoulder. How lamentable is it that they cover it with clothing and yet call it baring the right shoulder! Thus we know that baring the flesh and exposing the shoulder is indeed the utmost expression of respect.