Lzh Dg Bi Pm Np 4Asking an Unrelated Person for Robes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Aññātakaviññatti
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An Explanation of the Aññātakaviññatti Rule (Asking an Unrelated Person for Robes)
Background
This rule belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, where the rules of practice and the management of the community of Buddhist monks and nuns in the Theravāda tradition are recorded. Aññātakaviññatti, “asking an unrelated person for robes,” is a rule concerning ordained persons requesting robes from those outside the family, those who have no blood relation.
In the Buddha’s time, monks and nuns depended on the necessary requisites supplied by the community: robes, food, lodging, and medicine, the four requisites. Robes were a necessary requirement, especially in the climate of India. However, in order to maintain discipline and avoid situations likely to cause misunderstanding or excessive greed, the Buddha established specific rules on how to ask for these material requisites.
This rule records the special situations in which a monk or nun needs to ask for robes from those who are not relatives, and the principles that should be observed in order to act properly according to the Buddha Dharma.
Main Content
Aññātakaviññatti stipulates that when a monk or nun needs robes and cannot receive them from family or familiar persons, he or she may ask those outside the family. However, this must be done in a specific way and in accordance with the principles of the life of one gone forth.
According to this rule, asking for robes must be clear and upright. One should not use subtle hints or indirect methods to make others voluntarily give robes. The monk or nun should clearly present the need with respect and without the intention of taking advantage of another’s compassion.
The rule also states that the manner of asking must be appropriate to the status of one gone forth. A monk or nun should not ask for robes in a way that humiliates oneself or violates dignity. At the same time, asking should have limits; one should not abuse the kindness of supporters.
The key point of this rule is to maintain balance: on the one hand, one gone forth needs to be cared for in order to concentrate on practice; on the other hand, one must live with spiritual independence and not create an excessive burden for the lay community.
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