Ka Bu Pm Np 28Haste-Cloth

Exposition of the Accekacīvara Discourse (Haste-Cloth)

Background

The Accekacīvara discourse belongs to the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha, the rules for bhikkhunīs, in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition. It is classified among the regulations concerning monastic clothing, an important aspect of Sangha discipline (Saṅgha).

In the Buddha’s time, bhikkhunīs were given clear regulations on how to wear the robe in order to maintain dignity, neatness, and the identity of the monastic life. This discourse addresses a specific situation concerning wearing a robe “hastily” or “carelessly” (acceka), which could lead to conduct inappropriate to Buddhist ethics.

The Pāli Vinaya Piṭaka was compiled after the Buddha’s parinirvana, through the Councils (Saṅgīti), for the purpose of preserving and standardizing the rules of practice. Each disciplinary discourse has a historical context, usually a specific event that caused the Buddha to establish a new rule.

Main Content

The Accekacīvara discourse concerns the regulation of how bhikkhunīs wear the robe. The word “Acceka” (acceka) means “hasty” or “lacking care,” while “cīvara” means the robe. This discourse reflects a basic principle: bhikkhunīs must wear the robe neatly, covering the body appropriately, without haste or carelessness.

This regulation arose from a practical need in the monastery. When the robe is put on hastily, the body may be exposed improperly, or hasty conduct may lead to awkward behavior inconsistent with the image of one in training. This affects the confidence of the lay community in the Saṅgha and also violates the principle of sīla, morality, one of the three pillars of Buddhist practice.

The Vinaya Piṭaka often records specific situations. In this case, it may have been that a bhikkhunī once wore the robe carelessly, leading to unwanted consequences, or that this affected the general dignity of the community.