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Aspects of Mahayana Buddhism and its Relation to Hinayana c9.s8.t3: (C) Dress

Aspects of Mahāyāna Buddhism and its Relation to Hīnayāna c9.s8.t3

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(C) Dress

c9.s8.t3.1

(iii) A monk ordained in the name of Buddha is to put on yellow robes and shave his head and chin. However immoral or sinful he may be, he is immune from injury, punishment, or reproach from unordained persons including a king, because in some ways at least he renders good to the world of the gods and men ².

c9.s8.t3.2

² Ibid., p. 68: The yellow robe should be regarded as a mokṣadhvaja (banner of freedom); see also p. 115.

c9.s8.t3.3

The coloured garments, shaven head and the alms bowl are calculated to destroy his pride³. In order to be free from pride, he remembers that he is like a young caṇḍāla, living on alms, receiving what is cast away by others, and that he is to respect his teacher, please his fellow monks by proper conduct, and so forth ⁴.

c9.s8.t3.4

³ Ibid., p. 150.

c9.s8.t3.5

⁴ Ibid., pp. 150-1.

c9.s8.t3.6

(iv) A bhikṣu needs dress for decency as also to protect his body from gnats and such other insects, but he cannot have more than three pieces ⁵. If anybody asks from him the bowl or a robe and if he has not got any to spare, he cannot part with those he has, for they are necessary for him for leading the life of a brahmacārin ⁶. The yellow robe of a monk is the sign of a śramaṇa and an object of worship to the gods, men, and demons. These are to be worn by monks free from all worldly ties, and as aids to the performance of duties leading to salvation⁷.

c9.s8.t3.7

⁵ Bodhic., p. 141.

c9.s8.t3.8

⁶ Ibid., p. 142: avisarjanīyam hi tricīvaram uktam tathāgatena. Cf. Vinaya, Mv., VIII. 13. 3; Nissaggiya Pāc., 1 ff.

c9.s8.t3.9

⁷ Śikṣā., p. 136.

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