Lzh Mg Bu Pm Np 7Accepting Too Many Robes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Tatuttari
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
COMMENTARY ON THE TATUTTARI SUTTA
Accepting Too Many Robes
Background
The Tatuttari Sutta belongs to the Vinaya-piṭaka, specifically the Bhikkhu Pātimokkha—the collection of rules of moral discipline for monks. This text is recorded in the Nipata (Miscellaneous Collection), which preserves specific cases concerning violations or difficulties arising in the life of the monastic community.
The recorded context states that certain monks were making use of an excessive number of robes—beyond actual necessity—leading to the accumulation of possessions and undermining the spirit of practice. The Buddha Gotama, out of compassionate concern for the preservation of the Dharma, set forth a clear rule pertaining to this matter of material economy. This was not harshness, but wisdom—a skillful means (upāya-kosallā) to help monks remain free from immoderate craving.
Main Content
The sutta establishes that a monk should not accept more robes than his needs require. Within the traditional Vinaya framework, the appropriate number of robes is clearly defined—ordinarily three garments (Sabbaññutacivarāni): the inner robe (antara-vāsa), the upper robe (uttara-saṅga), and the outer cloak (saṅghāṭī). There is also the under-garment (kaccha).
Should a monk exceed this number, he incurs a nissaggiya pācittiya offense—a transgression requiring formal confession and relinquishment. The sutta emphasizes that this matter is not merely one of material possession, but pertains also to the state of mind. Greed (lobha), clinging (upādāna), and desire (chanda) arise when the mind is bound to material things.
The Buddha instructed his disciples to live with "few wants"—making use only of what is necessary to sustain the body (mattaññutā). Robes serve solely to cover the body and protect one's health, not to pursue aesthetic preferences or accumulation.
Practical Significance
The principle set forth in the Tatuttari reflects a profound truth of Theravāda Buddhism: true happiness lies not in having much, but in living with simplicity and mindful awareness.
🌏 The Buddhist canon is vast — some sūtras (such as comparative Vinaya across schools, or untranslated Tibetan-canon texts) have to this day NEVER been translated into Vietnamese or English by anyone, scholars included. Rather than leave it blank, Inti AI offers a FAITHFUL summary grounded in the tradition — from the sūtra's title, origin and essence — so you can still reach this rare part of the treasury. Whenever an original translation exists, the app shows the original first.
Translations belong to the translator/source credited above. The bilingual compilation, presentation, and AI translations compiled by Inti are © Inti Foundation. Please attribute when quoting; do not bulk-copy or use commercially without permission.