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[szegee]

What do you think of the below explanation given by 净空法师? It doesn’t seem to agree with our local practice.

 

http://www.amtb.cn/magazin/edu244.htm

 

受菩萨戒就可以搭缦衣，就不是白衣；没有受菩萨戒不可搭缦衣。现在有很多地方，受五戒就搭缦衣，这决定不可以，要受了菩萨戒才能搭衣。受菩萨戒后，升座讲经就不会受人批评。但穿着海青没有限制，因为海青是中国古人的礼服，什么人都可以穿，没受过皈依的也可以穿。

 

[chuanguan]

Yes, there seem to be a difference in the usage of the 缦衣. From what I know, the 缦衣 was introduced in China and not so much in India. And it is to be worn by those who has taken up the Bodhisattva vows. Locally, it seem to be worn by those who undertake the five precepts as well.

IMO, these are part of the cultural aspect of Buddhism and not so much part of the core teachings that is pertinent to Buddhism. Perhaps the emphasis should be on the practise of precepts, be it Bodhisattva vows or the Five Precepts, rather than on what one wears. After all, while it is said "cloth maketh a man", "mind is the forerunner of all" (Dhp 1).