Lzh Mg Bi Pm Np 7Accepting Too Many Robes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Tatuttari
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The Tatuttari Sutta: On Accepting Too Many Robes
Background
The Tatuttari Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka within the Theravāda tradition, one of the most widely observed sections of the monastic code for the community of monks and nuns. The Vinaya Piṭaka was compiled to regulate the practice and communal life of monastics, helping to maintain discipline, harmony, and progress in the practice of the Buddha-Dharma.
This text arose from specific events within the early community under the guidance of the Buddha. When monks failed to observe the regulations concerning robes, the Buddha established principles to govern the matter. Accepting too many robes is regarded as a violation rooted in bad habits related to greed, dissatisfaction, and conduct harmful to the qualities of calm and virtue that a monastic practitioner should embody.
The robe is not merely everyday clothing; it carries deep significance as a symbol of simplicity, humility, and renunciation of worldly pleasures for those who have gone forth from the household life. Therefore, the regulations concerning the number of robes a monk is permitted to possess are of great importance within the Vinaya Piṭaka.
Main Content
According to the regulations set forth in the Tatuttari, a bhikkhu is permitted to possess a maximum of three basic robes, also known as the "Three Tibbaras" (Tibbarakacchaka) — comprising the Uttarasaṅga (outer robe), the Antaravāsaka (inner robe), and the Sabaya (waist cloth). Beyond these three, one additional robe for emergency use or as a rain robe may be permitted, but this must not exceed a reasonable limit.
When a monk accepts too many robes, this is considered improper and worthy of reprimand or correction. Such conduct does not constitute a violation of a grave offense (Pārājika or Saṅghādisesa), but it does transgress the lesser regulations (Dukkhaṭa or Pācittiya), depending on the degree and circumstances involved.
The benefits of observing this regulation are that it continually reminds monastics of the ideal of simplicity, guards against the cultivation of greedy habits, and sustains unity within the community. When all members adhere to the common principles, the environment of practice becomes purer and more harmonious.
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