Theravāda Vinayapiṭaka
Monks’ rules and their analysis
Monks’ Expiation (Pācittiya) 90
… at Sāvatthī in the Jeta Grove in Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery. Now at that time an itch-cloth was allowed to the monks by the lord. The group of six monks, thinking: “An itch-cloth is allowed by the lord,” used itch-cloths that were not of a (proper) measure; they went about trailing (these) along in front as well as behind. Those who were modest monks … spread it about, saying: “How can this group of six monks use itch-cloths that are not of a (proper) measure” …
“It is true, lord.”
The enlightened one, the lord, rebuked them, saying:
“How can you, foolish men, use itch-cloths that are not of a (proper) measure? It is not, foolish men, for pleasing those who are not (yet) pleased … And thus, monks, this rule of training should be set forth:
“When an itch-cloth is being made for a monk, it must be made to a (proper) measure. This is the (proper) measure here: in length four spans of the accepted span, in breadth two spans. In exceeding this (measure), there is an offence of expiation involving cutting down.”
Itch-cloth means: it is for covering him who has itch or a small boil or a running sore or a thick scab disease from below the navel to above the knee.
Is being made means: … see Bu-Pc.89.3 …
it should be made to a (proper) measure … in breadth two spans (Bu-Pc.89.3) …
… if he is mad, if he is the first wrong-doer.
The Eighth