Lzh Mi Bi Vb Np 8Excessive Prompting for Robe Funds

EXPLANATION OF THE RULE ON EXCESSIVELY REQUESTING MONEY DONATED FOR ROBES

Background

This rule belongs to the Nissaggiya Pācittiya, one of the four main sections of the Pātimokkha, the code of precepts for monks and nuns in the Theravāda tradition. Nissaggiya Pācittiya comprises thirty rules concerning the forfeiture (nissaggiya) of improperly obtained objects together with the accompanying confession of the offense (pācittiya).

This eighth rule addresses the situation in which a bhikkhu receives a promise from a layperson to donate money to buy a robe (cīvara), but he then asks for more or hints at a better kind of cloth, of greater value than the donor originally intended. The word "Rāja" in the original title may point to a case involving kings or people of status, donors capable of giving generously, making excessive requests even more contrary to the spirit of few wishes and contentment.

The Buddha laid down this rule after observing bhikkhus taking advantage of the faith and generosity of donors, turning alms-seeking and the receiving of offerings, which are means of pure livelihood, into acts of seeking material gain. This not only harmed the reputation of the Sangha but also violated the foundation of pure morality.

Main Content

According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, when a layperson or donor voluntarily gives rise to the intention to donate money to purchase a robe for a bhikkhu, the bhikkhu should receive it with a mind of contentment. If the donor asks for an opinion about the type or value of the cloth, the bhikkhu may answer objectively, but must not imply or suggest that the donor should give more or better.

The rule forbids three main forms of violation:

First, directly asking the donor to increase the amount of money or the quality of the robe beyond the original intention.

Second, indirectly hinting by praising expensive cloth, comparing it with another bhikkhu’s robe, or showing dissatisfaction with the promised offering.

Third, instructing someone else, such as a novice or close lay supporter, to act as an intermediary and request more on his behalf.

When the rule is violated, the bhikkhu must forfeit the robe obtained from that donation before the Sangha or a group of bhikkhus, confess the offense, and perform pācittiya, the prescribed rite of confession. The robe may then be returned by the Sangha or distributed in accordance with the Dharma.

This rule clearly reflects the spirit of "santussako" (contentment) and "appicchatā" (fewness of wishes), two fundamental virtues of one gone forth. The Buddha taught that a practitioner should receive only enough to support the body, and should not turn the receiving of offerings into a means of accumulation or satisfying desire.

Practical Meaning

In the present age, when relations between monks, nuns, and laypeople can sometimes become commercialized, this rule has even deeper meaning. Excessive requesting is not only a violation of the precepts, but also damages the foundation of the relationship between Sangha and laity: mutual respect, mutual trust, and the spirit of voluntary giving.