(Mv.VIII.10.1) [147] Now on that occasion the monks were dyeing their robes with cow-dung and yellow clay. The robes were discolored. They reported the matter to the Blessed One.

“Monks, I allow six kinds of dye: root-dye, stem-dye (wood-dye), bark-dye, leaf-dye, flower-dye, fruit-dye.”

(Mv.VIII.10.2) Now at that time the monks were dyeing their robes with cold water. The robes were foul-smelling. They reported the matter to the Blessed One.

“Monks, I allow a little dye-pot in which to boil the dye.”

The dye-water boiled over. They reported the matter to the Blessed One.

“Monks, I allow that a collar be tied on (to prevent boiling over).”

Now at that time the monks didn’t know if the dye was fully boiled or not. They reported the matter to the Blessed One.

“Monks, I allow that a drop be placed in water or on the back of the fingernail (to test whether the dye is fully boiled or not).”

(Mv.VIII.10.3) Now on that occasion the monks, while taking down the dye-pot, tipped it over. The pot broke. They reported the matter to the Blessed One.

“Monks, I allow a dye-scoop, a ladle with a handle.”

Now at that time the monks didn’t have a dye container.(2) They reported the matter to the Blessed One.

“Monks, I allow a dye-jar, a dye-vessel.”

Now at that time the monks were kneading the cloth (in dye-water) in dishes and in their alms-bowls.(3) The robes got ripped. They reported the matter to the Blessed One.

“Monks, I allow a dyeing trough.”

(Mv.VIII.11.1) Now at that time the monks were spreading out the cloth on the ground (to dry). The robes got dirty. They reported the matter to the Blessed One.

“Monks, I allow a grass matting (on which to dry dyed cloth).”

The grass matting got chewed by termites. They reported the matter to the Blessed One.

“Monks, I allow a pole for the robe, a cord (clothesline) for the robe.”

They hung (the cloth) by the middle. The dye dripped down both sides. They reported the matter to the Blessed One.

“Monks, I allow that it (the cloth) be tied at the corners.”

The corners got worn. They reported the matter to the Blessed One.

“Monks, I allow a thread/string for tying the corners.”

The dye dripped down one side. They reported the matter to the Blessed One.

“Monks, I allow that it take the dye being turned back and forth, and that one not leave until the drips cut off [stop].”

(Mv.VIII.11.2) Now on that occasion the robes became stiff. They reported the matter to the Blessed One.

“Monks, I allow that (stiff dyed cloth) be soaked in water.”

Now on that occasion the robes became rough. They reported the matter to the Blessed One.

“Monks, I allow that (rough dyed cloth) be beaten with the hand.”

[148] Now on that occasion some Group-of-six monks were wearing uncut ivory-colored robes. People criticized and complained and spread it about. The monks reported the matter to the Blessed One. Monks, uncut robes should not be worn. Whoever should do so: an offense of wrong-doing.