Lzh Dg Bu Pm 2 Np 10Excessive Prompting for Robe Funds

THE RĀJA DISCOURSE - THE RULE FORBIDDING EXCESSIVE PROMPTING FOR ROBE FUNDS

Background

The Rāja discourse is a legal discourse belonging to the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically within the Pātimokkha of the Theravāda tradition. This discourse was recorded to guide bhikkhus, male renunciants, regarding limitations on receiving and asking for material goods, especially essential requisites such as robes.

The background arose in the time when the Buddha Śākyamuni was still living. As the Saṅgha developed, some bhikkhus began to abuse the generosity of laypeople, especially by cajoling and strongly prompting them to obtain robes. This conduct not only violated the spirit of humility, but also created tension in the relationship between the Saṅgha and laypeople, damaging faith and religious support.

Main Content

This rule forbids bhikkhus from engaging in “excessive requesting” (atirekha patthana) for robes. Specifically, a bhikkhu is not permitted to:

Directly or indirectly urge the donor of requisites to provide more than his actual need. This conduct includes statements such as “My robe is very old,” “I need a new set,” or other implied signs. The rule also forbids directly sending others to ask for robes on one’s behalf.

Ask from those of great means in order to receive excessive benefits. This is connected with avoiding expectation or mechanical pressure, which is contrary to the spirit of renunciation (nekkhamma), the relinquishment of desire by one gone forth.

According to the Vinaya, a bhikkhu is permitted to prepare food and clothing only in valid circumstances and according to rules prescribed by the Saṅgha community. If violated, the conduct is regarded as belonging to the Sekhiya Dhamma, training rules concerned with reverent humility.