Lzh Mg Bu Vb Np 12A New Blanket Should Have Mixed Colors

– MAHĀSĀṂGHIKA VINAYA

– NIḤSARGIKA RULES

– EXPLAINING the second part of THE THIRTY NIḤSARGIKA PĀYATTIKA RULES.

12. RULE: MAKING A SITTING MAT OF PURE BLACK [WOOL].

When the Buddha was dwelling at a multi-storied monastery in a forest near the city of Vaiśālī, as described in full above. At that time the monks were making various kinds of woolen garments such as the saṃghāṭī, the uttarāsaṅga, the antarvāsa, and the niṣīdana, with the exception of water-straining bags and carrying-bag cords. Because the Buddha had not yet laid down a rule at that time, the monks wearing these woolen garments could sit outdoors (at night) in comfort.

However, after the Buddha laid down the rule, the monks were no longer permitted to wear woolen garments, and many of them fell ill and lived in discomfort. Therefore, they conveyed the matter to the Venerable Ānanda: "When the Buddha had not yet laid down the rule, we wore woolen garments and, even when outdoors, were as comfortable as if indoors. Now that the Buddha has laid down the rule and we are no longer permitted to wear woolen garments, many of us have fallen ill and live in discomfort.

Please, Ānanda, would you inform the Buddha on our behalf and request that we be allowed to use woolen garments again as before."

Then the Venerable Ānanda went to where the Buddha was, bowed his head at the Buddha's feet, and reported the matter fully to the Blessed One: "We respectfully request that the Blessed One permit the monks to wear woolen garments as before."

The Buddha said: "I permit the monks to make garments of mixed [wools]."

Thereupon the Buddha instructed the monks dwelling in Vaiśālī to assemble together, and for ten benefits he laid down this rule for the monks — one who has heard it before must hear it again:

"If a monk wishes to make a new sitting mat, he should mix two parts pure black sheep's wool, one third part white wool, and one fourth part gray wool. If, on the other hand, a monk does not mix two parts pure black sheep's wool, one third part white wool, and one fourth part gray wool when making a sitting mat, he commits a Niḥsargika Pāyattika offence."

Explanation

(Some terms have already been EXPLAINED above.)

—Two parts: Using 2/4 black sheep's wool to make the sitting mat.

—One third part white: Using 1/4 white sheep's wool to make the sitting mat.

—One fourth part gray: Using 1/4 gray-colored wool to make the sitting mat.

If a monk makes a new sitting mat (contrary to the above regulation), whether making it himself or having another make it, when it is completed he commits a Niḥsargika Pāyattika offence. When using it he commits a Vinaya transgression offence.

(Other terms above have already been explained.) Therefore it is said:

"If a monk wishes to make a new sitting mat, he must use 2/4 pure black sheep's wool, one third part white, and one fourth part gray to make it. If, on the other hand, he does not use 2/4 pure black sheep's wool, one third part white, and one fourth part gray to make a new sitting mat, he commits a Niḥsargika Pāyattika offence."

End of the eleventh Niḥsargika rule.

Vietnamese translation: Thích Phước Sơn. MAHĀSĀṂGHIKA VINAYA

Chinese translation: TRIPIṬAKA BUDDHABHADRA OF INDIA

TOGETHER WITH ŚRAMAṆA FAXIAN, TRANSLATED DURING THE EASTERN JIN DYNASTY

REVIEWER: THÍCH ĐỖNG MINH