Lzh Dg Bu Pm Np 8Requesting Fine Robes From a Robe Fund
Pāli / Sanskrit:Upakkhata
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Upakkhata Sutta: Requesting Fine Robe Cloth from a Robe Fund
Background
The Upakkhata Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, reflecting issues in the organization of the life of practice in the early Buddhist Sangha. The Vinaya Piṭaka records regulations on the clothing, property, and use of these things by bhikkhus.
This sutta arises from a specific situation in which the Buddha's disciples developed conflict related to the distribution of robe cloth from a common fund. It was then that the Buddha and the venerable teachers had to set forth clear principles for harmonization. This background shows that practice is not only about spirituality, but also about action, decision-making, and managing communal property justly.
The word "Upakkhata" (उपक्षत) often refers to requests or complaints related to the basic property of monastics. Asking for fine robe cloth from a common fund is an expression of afflictions such as greed, comparison, and anger, obstacles that must be healed by the Dharma.
Main Content
The sutta records the situation in which some bhikkhus wanted to request high-quality robe cloth from the common fund, while others held that this was not in keeping with the five precepts for bhikkhus. This disagreement reflects two views: one side held that coarse cloth was sufficient, while the other argued that good robe cloth could support health in practice.
Through his teaching, the Buddha did not entirely reject the need to use good robe cloth, but set forth a clear principle: bhikkhus should request only robes suited to actual need, not out of greed or preference. The common robe fund should be used fairly and reasonably. Those who violate this by asking for things too luxurious or unnecessary are regarded as committing a wrong action (āpatti).
The sutta also makes clear that requesting fine robe cloth from the common fund without a valid reason, such as illness or severe weather, violates the spirit of the precepts. The Buddha emphasizes that practitioners must examine their true needs and avoid being led by greed.
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