Lzh Mu Bi Pm Np 23Out-of-Season Robe Cloth
Pāli / Sanskrit:Akālacīvara
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Sutra on Out-of-Season Robe-Cloth (Akālacīvara)
Context
The Akālacīvara Sutra (Out-of-Season Robe-Cloth) is a rule belonging to the Vinaya Piṭaka, found in the Pātimokkha of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. The Vinaya Piṭaka consists of disciplinary teachings that the Buddha established for the community of monks and nuns, in order to maintain discipline and the spirit of practice within the Sangha.
The rules concerning robes (cīvara) are not rigid limitations, but teachings expressing the spirit of the Buddha-Dharma: moderation, non-contention, and avoidance of actions that cause division in the community. Cloth for making robes was usually distributed according to a fixed season, with clear regulations concerning the time and conditions for receiving it.
This sutra was compiled to address practical issues arising in the life of practice of bhikkhus. It reflects disputes or differences of opinion among members of the Sangha concerning the distribution of robe-cloth in special circumstances outside the prescribed time.
Main Content
The rule on out-of-season robe-cloth (akālacīvara) revolves around a basic principle: bhikkhus may receive cloth for making robes only during officially prescribed periods. These provisions were established by the Buddha after bhikkhus disputed over the distribution of cloth at improper times.
“Out of season” means periods outside the times already prescribed, usually the rainy season and the warm season. If a bhikkhu receives robe-cloth outside these periods, certain rules apply. This is not to restrict the rights of bhikkhus, but to maintain fairness and harmony in the practicing community.
This legal text also sets forth exceptional situations, such as when a bhikkhu has a genuine need because his robes have been lost or because of objective circumstances. These cases are considered separately and are not regarded as violations if they are explained clearly and openly before the community.
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