Ka Bu Pm Np 10Excessive Prompting for Robe Funds
Pāli / Sanskrit:Rāja
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Rāja Sutra: On Excessive Prompting for Robe Donations
Background
The Rāja Sutra belongs to the Vinaya Pitaka, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Patimokkha, one of the disciplinary regulations for female renunciants in Theravada Buddhism. This sutra was recorded in the historical context of the early Sangha, when the Buddha had allowed bhikkhunīs to receive requisites, especially cloth for making robes (cīvara).
However, the Buddha observed that some bhikkhunīs began to encourage, urge, or even pressure laypeople to donate money or materials to make robes for them. Although this conduct arose from a legitimate need, for robes are one of the four necessary requisites, the excessive manner of prompting violated the principles of humility, non-greed, and respect for laypeople.
Main Content
The Rāja Sutra stipulates that bhikkhunīs must not excessively encourage, urge, or suggest to laypeople that they should donate cloth or money to make robes for them. If a bhikkhunī has a legitimate need for clothing, the proper way is to wait quietly or perform other appropriate practices.
This sutra distinguishes between naturally receiving what laypeople voluntarily offer and actively seeking or urging. The conduct of “excessive prompting” (atireka) is considered a deviation from the monastic path. It reflects the absence of purity of mind and differs from other regulations in the Vinaya Pitaka concerning receiving robes.
The nature of the prohibited act is not the mere fact of receiving a gift, but the active, greedy, and unrestrained attitude in seeking support from laypeople. This is a way of cultivating spiritual independence and respect toward those who uphold the Three Jewels.
Practical Meaning
The Rāja Sutra does not teach bhikkhunīs to refuse clothing or live in deprivation.
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