Lzh Mi Bi Pm Np 6Requesting Fine Robes From a Robe Fund
Pāli / Sanskrit:Upakkhata
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Upakkhata Sutta: Requesting Fine Robes from a Robe Fund
Background
The Upakkhata Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically the Pātimokkha section, the basic rules that bhikkhus must observe. It is not a discourse teaching doctrine (Dharma), but a detailed regulation concerning the discipline of communal life in the Sangha, intended to maintain harmony, purity, and order in the monastic community.
In the Buddha’s time, bhikkhus lived by going for alms and receiving objects from laypeople. The issue arose of how bhikkhus could receive items such as clothing without violating the spirit of humility and non-greed. The Upakkhata Sutta addresses the specific case: can a bhikkhu request fine robes from a robe fund without committing any fault?
The word “Upakkhata” means “arranged” or “previously appointed,” referring to the conditions that permit a bhikkhu to receive fine robes legitimately.
Main Content
This disciplinary discourse deals with a subtle situation: when there is a robe fund contributed by laypeople for the Sangha, is a bhikkhu allowed to choose the best robes without violating the rule?
According to the spirit of the Vinaya Piṭaka, the answer depends on the manner of requesting. If this robe fund has been established with the understanding that “any bhikkhu who needs may take a robe without needing to ask permission,” then the bhikkhu has the right to take one. However, if receiving fine robes must be done through a specific request, the bhikkhu should not take them on his own authority, but must ask from the fund’s steward.
The conditions permitting the receipt of fine robes include: (1) the robe fund has been established and publicly known; (2) the one making the request has no intention of greed or partiality; (3) the request must be made with respectful and pure conduct.
The deeper purpose of this rule is to protect bhikkhus from habits of greed (lobha) and teach them to live with acceptance and contentment (santusti).
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