[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Indian literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in) › [Buddhist Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha) › [Taishō Tripiṭaka (Chinese Buddhist canon)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.taisho) › [四分戒本疏卷第一．第二．第三](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.taisho.2787) › [English (machine translation)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.taisho.2787~en-mt) › 3.122 # 四分戒本疏卷第一．第二．第三 3.122 English (machine translation) 3.122 - **Language:** English ### [3.122](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.taisho.2787~en-mt.3.122) "If a bhikṣu obtains a new robe, he should apply one of three kinds of disfiguring colors, disfiguring it as he pleases with either blue-green, black, or mangrove bark color. If a bhikṣu, without applying one of the three kinds of disfiguring colors—either blue-green, black, or mangrove bark color—wears another new robe, it is a prāyaścittika." The complete text of the precept has three clauses: 1. The person committing the offense. 2. From "obtains a new robe" onward, the method for dyeing and disfiguring. 3. From "if a bhikṣu" onward, violating the sacred teaching by keeping and wearing \[an undyed robe\] without disfiguring it, which incurs the offense. In distinguishing the characteristics, the first clause is clear. The second, "obtaining a new robe, he should apply three kinds of disfiguring colors": the Vinaya states that as for a new robe, whether it is brand new or newly acquired from someone, both are called new robes. The Sarvāstivāda Vinaya states: When one obtains another's used robe, upon first obtaining it, it is also called a new robe. The "three kinds of disfiguring colors" are blue-green, black, and mangrove bark color. The third, "wearing a new robe without disfiguring it with the three colors, it is a prāyaścittika": this is the clause setting down the offense for violating the sacred teaching. The Vinaya states: If one obtains a robe and wears it without applying the three kinds of disfiguring colors, it is an offense of falling. Whether a heavy robe or a light robe, keeping it without marking it to render it permissible is a duṣkṛta. If an item other than robes, such as a bowl bag and various towels, is kept without marking it permissible, it is a duṣkṛta. This refers to marking with color to render it permissible; all objects used in connection with the body must be marked permissible and then kept. If one deposits an undyed robe at a layperson's house, it is a duṣkṛta. According to this, "permissible" means that for a robe of completed color, or other articles, applying a mark is called permissible; but they must both be dyed and disfigured, not that the two robes must be dyed while the rest are only marked. According to the Vinaya text, all that are not dyed are prāyaścittikas, and all that are not marked permissible are duṣkṛtas. The Mahīśāsaka Vinaya states that the reason for rendering them permissible is to differ from non-Buddhists; making three kinds of marks distinguishes them from the worldly, so that if lost, they are easy to search for. The Sarvāstivāda-vinaya-vibhāṣā states: Robes of the five primary colors do not constitute valid ordination \[requisites\]; whether of proper measure or not of proper measure, none may be worn. If one marks and wears them, it is a duṣkṛta; in this Vinaya, one commits an offense of falling. One must ensure that the marks of the three colors appear, forming a disfigured-color robe, and keeping it is without offense; solid primary colors all incur an offense. The Mahāsāṃghika Vinaya states: Solid primary colors not marked and disfigured incur a prāyaścittika; wearing a white robe is light \[an offense of duṣkṛta\]; those marked to render permissible are not permitted. One may make one, three, five, seven, or nine marks together. The largest is equal to four fingerbreadths; the smallest is like a pea. The Samantapāsādikā says it is as large as a hemp seed. According to the Dharmaguptaka, wearing a white robe is a prāyaścittika, and failing to mark it is a minor offense. If disfigured with any one of the three colors, it becomes a recluse's robe. A heavy robe not marked permissible is a duṣkṛta. It must not be made in the shape of a flower. Stains from mud during washing or bird foot droppings are immediately counted as permissible. For a new great robe, one applies it to one corner; the same applies to all fine new patches of cloth. If many piececloth fragments are stitched together in one place, one marks it in one place; if separate, one marks each permissible individually. The Vinaya states that it is not an offense: if one obtains a white robe and dyes it into the three colors, or for other light and heavy robes down to marking them permissible on the inside, there is no offense. - [Previous: 3.121](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.taisho.2787~en-mt.3.121) - [Next: 3.123](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.taisho.2787~en-mt.3.123) - [Up: 3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.taisho.2787~en-mt.3) ## Linked texts (1) - [四分戒本疏卷第一．第二．第三](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.taisho.2787.3.122) — Classical Chinese --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.taisho.2787~en-mt.3.122](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.taisho.2787~en-mt.3.122) · Pramāṇa