Lzh Mg Bu Vb Pc 28Giving Robes

– MAHĀSĀṂGHIKA VINAYA

– PĀCITTIYA RULES

– DETAILED EXPLANATION of the FOURTH SECTION of the NINETY-TWO SINGLE EXPIATION RULES.

28. RULE: GIVING A ROBE TO A NUN WHO IS NOT A RELATIVE.

When the Buddha was residing in the city of Śrāvastī, as described in detail above, at that time there was a monk who had not yet completed a rains retreat, wearing a newly dyed, fine robe, who came to where the Buddha was, bowed his head at the feet of the Buddha, and then departed. Seven years later, he came to the Blessed One wearing an old, tattered robe, bowed his head at the feet of the Buddha, and stood to one side. The Buddha, though knowing, still asked: "Monk, previously, before you had completed a rains retreat, you wore a newly dyed, fine robe. Why now do you wear such an old, tattered one?"

The monk replied: "Blessed One, for the past seven years, whenever I received a fine robe, I gave it to a nun."

Then the Buddha said to the monks: "Suppose a monk who is a relative were wearing such an old, tattered robe, and then gave a fine robe to a nun who is a relative, should the nun accept it?" The monks replied: "She should not accept it."

The Buddha again asked the monks: "Suppose a monk who is a relative were wearing such an old, tattered robe, and then gave a fine robe to a nun who is a relative, should the monk give it?" The monks replied: "He should not give it."

Then the Buddha taught: "From this day forward, I do not permit a monk to give a robe to a nun who is not a relative."

Furthermore, when the Buddha was residing in the city of Śrāvastī, at that time a monk had come from the South with many robes and bowls. He had a sister who had gone forth, so he asked the Venerable Ānanda to take him to visit her. The Venerable Ānanda, being of an accommodating nature, brought him to the gate of the nuns' monastery and inquired whether such-and-such a nun was within. The nuns then asked: "Who is calling?" and were told: "I am the monk Ānanda, and the monk so-and-so." A nun said: "Please wait a moment." They then spread out bedding, opened the door, and called out: "Please come in, Venerable Ones." Both entered, sat down, conversed and inquired after the nuns, and after a short while took their leave and departed.

At that point the monk said to the Venerable Ānanda: "I came from afar to visit my sister, yet I did not see her come out to meet me. I wonder why." The Venerable Ānanda, being skilled in reading signs, said to the monk: "Do you not understand why your sister did not come out?"

—I do not understand.

—Because her robes are worn and shabby, she was ashamed and did not come out. You have many robes; why did you not give her some?

—Because the Blessed One established a rule against giving robes to nuns.

—Wait here while I go and request permission from the Buddha on your behalf.

Then Ānanda went to where the Buddha was, bowed his head at the feet of the Buddha, stood to one side, and reported the entire matter to the Blessed One, asking whether the Buddha would permit a monk to give robes to a nun who is a relative. The Buddha then taught: "From this day forward, I permit a monk to give robes to a nun who is a relative." Then the Buddha commanded the monks dwelling in the city of Śrāvastī to all assemble, and for the sake of ten benefits, established this rule for the monks — even those who have already heard it must hear it again:

"If a monk gives a robe to a nun who is not a relative, except in the case of an exchange, he commits a Pācittiya offense."

Explanation

Robes of a nun who is a relative: All as explained above.

Except in the case of an exchange: In this case the Blessed One declares it to be without offense.

Pācittiya: As explained above.

In addition, as regarding one who takes a robe from a nun, this has been addressed in the thirty rules above. Therefore it is said (as above).

Vietnamese translation: Thích Phước Sơn. MAHĀSĀṂGHIKA VINAYA

Chinese translation: THE TRIPIṬAKA MASTER BUDDHABHADRA OF INDIA

TOGETHER WITH THE ŚRAMAṆA FAXIAN, TRANSLATED DURING THE EASTERN JIN DYNASTY

DOCTRINAL VERIFICATION: THÍCH ĐỖNG MINH