Lzh Mi Bi Pm Pc 62Criticizing Robe Distribution
Pāli / Sanskrit:Dubbala
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Sutta on Criticizing the Distribution of Robes (Dubbala Pācittiya)
Background
This sutta belongs to the Pācittiya, the moral code in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddha-Dharma tradition. Pācittiya rules are ethical rules for monastics, with the penalty of confession before the gathered community when violated. The original title “Dubbala” (weak, deficient) suggests a situation in which a monk or nun is criticized for an unfair or biased method of distributing robes.
According to the Pāli tradition, this sutta was established by the Buddha based on events that occurred at Jetavana vihāra. When monastics distributed robes, if any member was criticized for unfairness, discrimination, or bias in distribution, this constituted a Pācittiya offense. The sutta aims to protect communal harmony (saṅgha) and the principles of equality and fairness in managing common property.
Main Content
The Dubbala Pācittiya rule concerns the responsibility of monastics assigned the task of distributing robes (cīvara). In the monastic community, robes are important articles of daily life, supported by laypeople or by the common funds of the monastery. When distributing them, one should follow the principle of fairness, without discrimination.
If a monk or nun, when assigned this duty, is found by virtuous members to have distributed with bias, for example, some receive better robes while others are slighted, or is criticized for unfairness, then that action, if proven to arise from intention or serious negligence, constitutes a Pācittiya offense. The offender must perform public confession (pāpuṇissati) before the gathered community.
This sutta also implies the principle that those who manage common property must have a public-minded heart and must not be swayed by bribery or influenced by personal bias. In particular, being “criticized” (dubbala = weak, unclear in handling) is precisely a signal for the community to intervene.
Practical Meaning
This rule reflects a profound principle of Buddhism: a fair and impartial mind (abyāpada, free from ill will and bias).
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