From the very beginning of the establishment of Buddhist communities, guidelines for the monastic life were set up. Among these guidelines, the rules for food and clothing occupy a particular position. Food and clothing became the symbols of a monastic identity, and the outward sign of an exemplary life, for bhik?us as well as for bhik?unīs. Given the fact, however, that women were perceived differently from men, it was felt necessary to have some special rules regarding the bhik?unīs’ standard clothing. The present research focusses on the latter aspect. It shows which robes were seen as standard by the different extant Vinayas, and how these guidelines for standard clothing were examined and interpreted by the Vinaya master, Yijing
