Lessons In Practical Buddhism - Sirimangalo.Org

We should not, therefore, think it wise to go entirely without
these necessities of life. Nevertheless, even they may
become hindrances on the path if we overindulge in them.
Recognizing the fact that they are necessary, the Buddha
pointed out the importance of proper use of the requisites;
neither over-indulging nor forbearing to an excess. We must
be mindful in our use of clothing, food, lodging and
medicines, and try our best to limit our possessions to only
those things that are necessary for living our lives in peace
and comfort.
The Buddha laid out very specific guidelines on how to make
use of one’s possessions simply for their purpose. He taught
that when we make use of something, we should reflect on
its proper use, that we may use it only as appropriate.
Reflecting with wisdom on our reasons for using our
necessities of life, we come to distinguish between those
things that are truly necessary and those that are merely
indulgences. We also train ourselves in making proper use of
those material requisites that are truly necessary, not
indulging in excess even in regards to them.
The first requisite we should reflect upon is our clothing. We
should remind ourselves that we wear clothing simply for the
purpose of covering our bodies and nothing more. When we
recognize this as the sole purpose of clothing ourselves, then
the clothes we wear will reflect this recognition, and our
state of mind will remain clear and at ease. If, on the other
hand, we think of clothes as for the purpose of sensual
attraction, we will seek out clothes that make us attractive to
others and our minds will be full of anxiety and stress in
finding the perfect outfit, driven to distraction by the
pleasure and conceit that comes from wearing beautiful
clothing.
If we are not careful in keeping to the proper use of clothing,
it will become a hindrance in our practice, leading us to
craving, clinging, attachment and suffering, making practice
of the Buddha’s teaching all the more difficult. If on the
other hand we make use of clothing simply to cover the
nakedness of the body, to keep ourselves warm or cool, to
protect it from the sun, to protect it from the wind, to protect
it from insects, mosquitoes and so on, then it can even serve
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