Ayù: “Magistrate, may I ask: Nowadays women wear increasingly revealing clothing, nearly pushing the limits. Does this incur karmic guilt?”
Magistrate: “Most certainly it does. Such attire draws the gaze of members of the opposite sex, stirring improper fantasies and lustful thoughts within them. Should one persist in this conduct without repentance, one’s lifespan will be shortened in this lifetime. One will also suffer gynaecological ailments, marital discord, difficult childbirth or even childlessness. After death, one shall further fall into hell to undergo punishment.”
Yuhua: “Does this mean women must not wear any revealing garments whatsoever?”
Magistrate: “Precisely. Short‑sleeved clothing exposing the arms is the absolute limit. No other parts of the body ought to be bared. Even swimwear must be fully modest.”
Yuhua: “Then may one wear short‑sleeved tops and shorts at home?”
Magistrate: “Apart from one’s own bedroom, such attire is inappropriate anywhere else in the house. Extra caution is needed especially when other male household members besides one’s husband reside under the same roof. One must not walk past Buddha altars or deity shrines in short garments, for this constitutes irreverent profanation. It is likewise unsuitable while working in the kitchen, as the Stove God presides there; blessings will be deducted for such conduct.”
Yuhua: “What about dressing this way in front of one’s husband?”
Magistrate: “Husband and wife ought to treat each other with mutual respect. Even before one’s spouse, one should not frequently dress in revealing, seductive ways to tempt him. Excessive legitimate marital intimacy amounts to sexual misconduct, and one’s blessings and emoluments will also be diminished accordingly.”
Yuhua: “Magistrate, do those who design revealing garments also incur karmic guilt?”
Magistrate: “Yes, they definitely do, and their offence is aggravated, for they undermine propriety and public morals.”