Lzh Mi Bi Pm Np 4Asking an Unrelated Person for Robes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Aññātakaviññatti
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Aññātakaviññatti Sutta: Asking for Robes from an Unrelated Person
Background
Aññātakaviññatti (Pāli: aññātaka = someone outside the family, unrelated; viññatti = request, petition) is a prohibition (sikkhāpada) belonging to the Vinaya Piṭaka of Theravāda Buddhism. This discourse is recorded in the Vinayas of different schools, especially in the Bhikkhunī Pāṭimokkha, the code for nuns, and in sections related to the management of material property in monastic communities.
The context in which this rule arose came from practical issues in the long-standing Sangha of monks and nuns. When nuns needed additional robes (cīvara), some sought to ask from people outside the community, those who had no blood relationship or close devotional connection. This could lead to ethical problems, improper dependence, or even deeper hidden motives. Therefore, the Buddha set forth a clear rule concerning the requesting of necessary clothing.
Main Content
According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, nuns are not permitted actively to ask for robes from people who are unrelated or who are not established supporters. This is not an absolute prohibition, but a clear guideline for building healthy relationships of practice with the outside community.
If a nun needs clothing, the proper action is: first, to seek within her own monastic community, where sharing or exchange may be possible; second, if necessary, to let known devotees, those who have a stable relationship with the monastery and a sincere mind of protecting the Dharma, be aware of the need. Asking from strangers not only creates a sense of inappropriate dependence, but may also produce harmful effects on the image and purity of monastics.
This rule also reflects an important principle in the Vinaya Piṭaka: monastics should practice self-mastery, personal responsibility, and should not abuse the trust of those who appear to have a harmonious mind.
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