一切經音義 11.99

11.99

Robes made of cast-off rags (*pāṃśukūla*): the upper character has the fanqie *fen* + *wen*. The lower character has the fanqie *sang* + *dao*. As for robes made of cast-off rags, they are the regular attire of monks of superior practice who have heard much and are content. These monks of exalted practice restrain greed, refuse gifts and benefits, and abandon light, delicate, and fine clothing. They constantly gather torn cloth from among discarded rubbish cast off by humans, wash it clean in rivers and streams, and patch it together into a robe, which is called 'robe of cast-off rags' (*pāṃśukūla*). Nowadays it is also commonly called a 'patched robe'. In the Vinaya texts it is called 'robe of fearlessness', for wicked persons and robbers do not snatch it. In the sūtras it is also called 'robe of merit', praised by all Tathāgatas. When wearing this robe, the devas constantly come to pay homage and make offerings. For this reason, the Tathāgata praised Mahākāśyapa, invited him to share his seat, and exchanged robes for him to wear. Hence it is named the 'robe of merit'.