Ecological Concern in the Therāvāda Buddhist Robe

Abstract

This paper analyses the whole set of the Therāvāda Buddhist robe with the objective to ascertain how it adheres to the Buddhist principle of wholesome roots or kuśala mūla and thus has ecological value and also to bring in light the cosmic principle of harmonious coexistence of the elements of the universe and the mutual relationship between the whole and the parts through a creative lens towards the aesthetic aspect of the robe the design of which is made under the model of rice fields. The work explains kuśala mūla in contrast to akuśala mūla to understand the efficacy of the wholesome roots in sustainable existence. In the discussion, the paper gives an account of the total set of the robe used by the Therāvādi monks and the nuns along with its development from robe-scavenge to robe offering ceremony referring to the suttas regarding the use and backdrop to the offering of the robes with a brief portrayal of robe offering ceremony. Finally, it concludes that so far as the design, organisation, and use are concerned, the robe is a symbol of the Buddhist care for nature.