The University of Nalanda c13.92

c13.92

The *Bhikkhu* used to put on a robe. As to the cloth that was to be used in the preparation of a robe, we find that Buddha was very liberal in his views. Unlike the authors of *Smṛtis* and *Sūtras* he allowed such rich cloth as silk and wool, besides linen, cotton, and hemp.¹ Gautama and others have laid down that *Brahmacārins* should only use a garment made of hemp, linen, rags, etc.² But, if Buddha thus appears to be very broadminded when compared with writers on *Smṛtis* and *Sūtras* one condition that he had laid down regarding dress was very strict. The *Bhikkhus* could not go to the market and buy one robe length of cotton or silk or wool, for Buddha³ had prescribed that a set of robes made entirely from untorn pieces was not to be worn. In order that *Bhikkhus* should refrain from violating this rule he also laid down that a person who would break the rule would be guilty of a *Dukkhati* offence⁴.