Lzh Dg Bi Pm Np 5Accepting Too Many Robes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Tatuttari
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The Tatuttari Rule: An Explanation Concerning Accepting Many Robes
Background
The Tatuttari rule is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, an important component of the Pāli Canon, where the rules of practice for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs are recorded. This context arose from the early period of the Sangha while the Buddha was still alive, when those gone forth did not yet have clear restrictions regarding material property, especially monastic clothing.
The Vinaya Piṭaka was compiled to regulate practical issues that arose in the monastic community. Each rule is often recorded together with a narrative, showing the Buddha’s wisdom in establishing regulations intended to maintain purity, harmony, and spiritual development for the Sangha. This rule concerns a bhikkhu accepting too many robes, a matter involving greed and the management of personal requisites.
Main Content
Tatuttari, from tātu + uttari, meaning “beyond the basic measure,” refers to a bhikkhu or group of bhikkhus accepting too many robes beyond actual need. In the Vinaya Piṭaka, the basic requisites for one gone forth include the three robes (ticīvara): the outer robe (uttarāsaṅga), the inner robe (antarvāsaka), and the shoulder cloth (sabāya). In addition, there may be a spare robe or some additional pieces of cloth.
Accepting too many robes goes against the principles of practice in Theravāda Buddhism. Bhikkhus are taught to live simply and not to be greedy for external material things, for greed is one of the three unwholesome roots (akusala mūla) of suffering. When a bhikkhu stores up too many robes, this reflects an impure mind of craving, obstructing the development of concentration (samādhi) and wisdom (paññā).
Seeing this phenomenon, the Buddha established rules limiting the number of robes that one gone forth may keep, together with instructions on how to deal with extra cloth.
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