Ka Bu Pm Np 27Rainy-Season Robes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Vassikasāṭika
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THE DISCOURSE ON RAINY-SEASON ROBES (VASSIKASĀṬIKA)
Background
The Vassikasāṭika discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically within the Bhikkhu Pātimokkha, the rules for monks. This discourse addresses a practical regulation concerning the making and wearing of a cloak for monastics during the rainy season (vassa).
According to Theravāda Buddhist teaching, the rainy season lasts three lunar months, usually from the seventh to the ninth lunar month, and is an important period in the life of the Sangha. During this time, monastics do not travel far for practice but concentrate on study and training at the monastery. Therefore, the need for clothing, especially a cloak (uttarāsaṅga), becomes more necessary.
Vassikasāṭika, the rainy-season robe, is a type of cloak used by monastics throughout the three months of the rains. The regulation concerning this robe is not only about material things, but also reflects the principles of restraint, rational use of Sangha property, and equality within the monastic community.
Main Content
The Vassikasāṭika discourse clearly regulates the making and use of the rainy-season robe. According to this rule, monastics are permitted to make a special cloak for the rainy season, but the process must follow certain principles.
First, concerning quantity: each monastic is permitted to have one rainy-season robe. This ensures that property is used reasonably and not wasted. This rule reflects the Buddhist spirit of possessing only what is necessary for the life of practice.
Concerning the time limit: the rainy-season robe may be made and used only during the rainy season. After the season ends, the monastic must take apart any separately sewn pieces of cloth, if there are any, in order to return them to communal property or handle them according to the Sangha’s regulations. This expresses the principle of not clinging to personal possessions.
Concerning quality: the discourse does not require the rainy-season robe to be made of gold, silver, or precious cloth. The robe is made from ordinary materials appropriate to monastic life, in order to withstand damp weather, rain, and wind.
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