Lzh Mg Bi Pm Np 6Asking an Unrelated Person for Robes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Aññātakaviññatti
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Commentary on the Aññātakaviññatti
Asking for Robes from an Unrelated Person
Background
The Aññātakaviññatti (asking for robes from an unrelated person) is a provision in the Vinaya Piṭaka of Theravāda Buddhism, belonging to the section on Nissaggiya Pācittiya (offenses of forfeiture accompanied by confession). This text reflects the regulations governing the manner in which monastics may obtain robes, an essential requisite in the life of one who has gone forth.
The origin of this rule is connected to the monks during the time of the Buddha. At that time, certain monks requested robes from persons who were not blood relatives or close acquaintances. This conduct, though arising from genuine need, could give rise to an unseemly appearance or cause inconvenience to the lay Buddhist community. Accordingly, the Buddha set forth specific restrictions in order to protect both the purity of the Saṅgha and the trust of the lay community.
Principal Content
According to this rule, a monk is not permitted to directly request robes from a person unrelated to him. The term "unrelated" (aññātaka) here refers to those who are not family members, not lay supporters who regularly offer assistance, and with whom no previously established relationship of Dhamma fellowship exists.
If a monk is in need of robes, he should proceed through legitimate channels: making requests of relatives, of lay persons with whom he has an established connection, or informing the Saṅgha so that the community may provide assistance. Should a monk violate this rule—that is, directly request robes from an unrelated person—he commits a Nissaggiya Pācittiya offense. The penalty is that he must forfeit the robe (nissaggiya, meaning "forfeiture") and confess the offense before the monastic community (pācittiya, meaning "confession").
This rule further emphasizes that if a monk wishes to request robes but has had no prior direct contact with the layperson in question, he must employ an intermediary or wait until an occasion arises for a natural encounter.
Practical Significance
The Aññātakaviññatti is not merely an administrative regulation; it also embodies a profound principle of dignified conduct and the avoidance of exploitation.
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