Lzh Mg Bi Pm Pc 73Antaravāsa
Pāli / Sanskrit:Antaravāsa
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Antaravāsa (The Middle Robe)
Background
The Antaravāsa Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda tradition, found within the Pātimokkha (the code of monastic rules) — the foundational rule book for the community of monks and nuns. Specifically, this falls under the Pācittiya section (offenses requiring confession), which are disciplinary rules of lesser severity compared to Saṅghādisesa or Pārājika offenses.
The word "antaravāsa" (antara = middle; vāsa = robe, garment) refers to a type of intermediate garment worn by monks and nuns. This text concerns specific regulations regarding the use and care of a particular robe within the monastic community, with the aim of maintaining cleanliness, propriety, and the avoidance of conduct that might give rise to misunderstanding.
The historical background shows that the rules of the Vinaya Piṭaka were established by the Buddha gradually as specific situations arose within the monastic community. The Pācittiya offenses were set forth in order to cultivate moral integrity, self-discipline (brahmacariyavuddhisikkhā), and harmony within the community of supporters of the Sangha (saṅghasāmaggi).
Main Content
According to the Pācittiya regulation concerning the antaravāsa, when a monk or nun is issued a middle robe, they bear the responsibility of caring for it and using it properly. Offenses that may occur include: using another's robe without permission, leaving the robe in an inappropriate place, or concealing another's robe.
This regulation reflects a fundamental principle of the Buddha: monks should not be covetous regarding possessions, even everyday requisites. Each requisite that is issued has a designated owner, and unauthorized use or taking advantage of another's belongings constitutes a violation of virtuous conduct.
This text also emphasizes that fellow practitioners within the monastic community must respect one another's possessions. If a monk deliberately conceals another's robe, this is not only an act of dishonesty but also a violation of the spirit of loving-kindness and mutual trust — the very foundations of communal monastic life.
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