adhere to this view I here roughly state my opinion, founded on the authority of the Vinaya.
The regulations of clothing are the most important for the life of a homeless priest (i. e. Pravragyâ), and I should therefore mention here in detail the style of garments, because these cannot be neglected or curtailed. As to the three garments (collectively called 'kîvara'), the patches are sewn close in the five parts of India, while in China alone they are open and not sewn. I myself have made inquiry as to the custom adopted in the northern countries (beyond India) and found out that patches are sewn close, and never open in all the places where the Vinaya of the four divisions (i. e. Katurnikâya) is practised.
Suppose that a Bhikshu of the West (i. e. India) has obtained a priestly dress of China; he would probably sew the patches together and then wear it.
The Vinaya texts of all the Nikâyas mention that the patches ought to be sewn and fastened.
There are strict rules about the six Requisites and the thirteen Necessaries fully explained in the Vinaya. The following are the six Requisites of a Bhikshu:—
- 1. The Saṅghâtî, which is translated by the 'double cloak.'
- 2. The Uttarâsaṅga, which is translated by the upper garment.'
- 3. The Antarvâsa, which is translated by the inner garment.'
The above three are all called kivara. In the countries of the North these priestly cloaks are generally called kâshâya from their reddish colour. This is not, however, a technical term used in the Vinaya.
- 4. Pâtra, the bowl.
- 5. Nishidana, something for sitting or lying on.
- 6. Parisrâvana, a water-strainer.
A candidate for Ordination should be furnished with a set of the six Requisites[1].
The following are the thirteen Necessaries[2]:—
- ↑ The eight Parishkâras (Requisites) in the Pâli texts are the bowl, the three robes, the girdle, a razor, a needle, and a water-strainer (Abhidhânappadîpikâ, 439; the Ten Gâtakas, 120).
- ↑ Cf. Mahâvyutpatti, 272, where the thirteen are enumerated, though not quite the same. See my additional note at the end.
