Lzh Mi Bu Vb Np 10Excessive Prompting for Robe Funds
Pāli / Sanskrit:Rāja
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THE SUTTA ON EXCESSIVE REQUESTING OF FUNDS FOR ROBE CLOTH
Background
This sutta lies in the Vinaya Piṭaka, especially the Pātimokkha section of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. The Vinaya Piṭaka was compiled to govern the guarded life of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs, where each rule has its origin in specific situations during the Buddha’s lifetime. This sutta concerns the issue of begging or requesting financial resources for legitimate needs, specifically cloth to be used for making a robe or monastic garment.
The Pāli title “Rāja” (king) does not merely indicate a sutta about kingship, but often refers to situations involving property rights or requests for material support. The background arose from situations in which bhikkhus took advantage of laypeople or made excessive requests for unnecessary things.
Main Content
This sutta warns against the conduct of “intentionally asking for more” (atirekatam yācitum), namely bhikkhus repeatedly requesting money or materials to buy cloth for robes when their needs have already been met. This is conduct unsuitable for one gone forth, because it reflects greed, lack of contentment (appicchatā), and exploitation of the compassion of donors.
The Buddha-Dharma emphasizes that bhikkhus should ask only for what is truly necessary to maintain health and continue their practice. Excessive asking not only violates the spirit of the Vinaya, but also burdens laypeople and diminishes confidence in the Sangha. The sutta teaches that a bhikkhu should know moderation (mattaññutā) in material needs, one of the precious qualities of a true practitioner.
Practical Meaning
This sutta applies not only to bhikkhus, but is also a profound lesson for all who wish to follow the path of practice. It teaches the importance of self-restraint in material needs.
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