Lzh Mg Bi Vb Np 3Out-of-Season Robe Cloth
Pāli / Sanskrit:Akālacīvara
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The Sutta on Out-of-Season Robe Cloth (Akālacīvara)
Background
The Sutta on Out-of-Season Robe Cloth belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka within the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, and is found specifically within the Pātimokkha of the bhikkhus. It is one of the detailed rules pertaining to the use of robe cloth by monastics, reflecting the rigorous disciplinary regulation and practice upheld within the Theravāda Saṅgha.
The Vinaya Piṭaka was compiled after the Parinibbāna of Śākyamuni Buddha, with the aim of preserving the discipline of the Saṅgha and standardizing the life of monastic practice. Each rule within the Pātimokkha arose from a specific incident in which disciples transgressed, whereupon the Buddha established a rule to prevent such improper conduct from occurring again. The Akālacīvara is a classic example of this method—proceeding from a specific transgression to a rule of purification applicable to the entire Saṅgha.
Main Content
The term "Akālacīvara" is divided into two parts: akāla (out of season, not appropriate) and cīvara (robe cloth). This rule stipulates that bhikkhus may not accept or make use of robe cloth outside of the permitted periods—specifically the rains retreat (vassānakāla), during which bhikkhus gather in one place to concentrate on their practice, and certain other designated periods.
According to the Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka, the life of a bhikkhu is divided into seasonal phases throughout the year. Only at certain times is the receiving or use of new robe cloth permitted. Should a bhikkhu accept robe cloth outside of these periods, he commits a transgression of the rule. The purpose of this rule is to cultivate greater humility, to limit the accumulation of material possessions, and to ensure that bhikkhus do not take advantage of the generosity of faithful lay devotees.
This rule also reflects a fundamental principle of the Vinaya: the proper and orderly regulation of material requisites.
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