Lzh Mg Bu Pm Np 6Asking an Unrelated Person for Robes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Aññātakaviññatti
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The Scripture on Asking for Robes from an Unrelated Person (Aññātakaviññatti)
Background
This scripture belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, the code of discipline that the Buddha specifically established for the community of monks and nuns. The Vinaya Piṭaka does not consist of suttas teaching doctrine, but rather guidelines on discipline and conduct within the monastic community, intended to protect the Dharma and to cultivate a harmonious environment for practice.
The Aññātakaviññatti (Asking for Robes from an Unrelated Person) is found within the section governing solicitation (viññatti) — that is, the act of requesting necessary requisites from lay supporters. In Theravāda Buddhism, asking for robes is not a matter of hardship or humiliation, but rather an opportunity for lay people to accumulate merit, while allowing monastics to focus on their practice without being burdened by material concerns.
This scripture specifically addresses the situation in which a monk or nun requests robes from someone who is not an acquaintance, or someone with whom they have not had a long-standing relationship. This is a small but significant detail in observing the rules of conduct within the monastic community.
Main Content
According to the regulations of the Vinaya, asking for robes (cīvara) from an unrelated person must be carried out in accordance with certain principles. Robes (uttarāsaṅga, antarvāsaka, uttarāsaṅga) are requisites necessary for monastics, used to cover the body in a manner befitting proper conduct. However, those who request robes from "unrelated persons" (aññātaka) — that is, persons who are not longstanding acquaintances or with whom there is no deep trust — must do so according to specific procedures.
The scripture stipulates that asking for robes must not involve inappropriate speech or excessive requests. The act must be carried out with sincerity and respect, without intentionally placing the requester in a difficult position or creating unreasonable burdens. Furthermore, the monastic must clearly acknowledge that the person in question is "unrelated" (aññātaka) and may not rely upon kinship or familiarity to obtain benefits to which they are not entitled.
This scripture also implicitly conveys a message of humility and freedom from greed.
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