Ka Bu Pm Np 6Asking an Unrelated Person for Robes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Aññātakaviññatti
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THE DISCOURSE ON ASKING AN UNRELATED PERSON FOR ROBES
Aññātakaviññatti
Background
This discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically the Khandhaka, the section on communal administration, where the rules on residence, daily life, and the distribution of the Sangha’s property are recorded. In the early period of the Sangha, when Buddhism had just been established, issues related to property management, especially robes (cīvara), an essential need of bhikkhus, had to be clearly regulated in order to avoid disputes and violations of virtue.
This discourse discusses the case in which a bhikkhu needs to ask for robes but cannot ask from those directly connected to him, such as a teacher, preceptor, or people who had promised to help. This issue arises from the practical needs of monastic life, where property is regarded as belonging commonly to the Sangha.
Main Content
The rule makes clear that when a bhikkhu needs robes (cīvara), he should first ask from those with close relationships, such as his teacher (ācariya), his preceptor (upajjhāya), or long-standing companions in the holy life. However, if these people are unable or unwilling, the bhikkhu is permitted to ask from “unrelated” people (aññātaka), that is, people outside his close circle of monastic relations.
What is important is that the way of asking must follow proper standards. The bhikkhu is not permitted to use crafty words, flattery, or coercion. Asking for robes must be done with dignity, with clarity about the need, and with respect for the donor’s freedom of choice. The rule also states that one must not ask for too much or abuse people’s kindness.
This discourse also implicitly points out an important principle: all material property of a bhikkhu is property of the Sangha, not personal property. Thus asking for robes is not seeking a personal favor, but following the management process for the property of the community of practice.
Practical Meaning
The Aññātakaviññatti discourse teaches us three profound lessons.
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