Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Np 20Sharing Out-of-Season Robe Cloth
Pāli / Sanskrit:Akālacīvara
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Discourse on Sharing Out-of-Season Robe Cloth
(Akalacivara - Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Np 20)
Background
This discourse is recorded in the Vinaya Pitaka, in the Patimokkha section, the basic precepts of the Early Buddhist tradition. The Vinaya Pitaka is the collection of regulations on monastic discipline, established by the Buddha to protect purity and harmony in the community of those gone forth. The discourse on “Sharing Out-of-Season Robe Cloth” (Akalacivara) concerns specific regulations on the use of robes and robe-cloth by bhikkhus and bhikkhunis.
The historical background of this discourse arises from specific situations in the early Sangha community. Bhikkhus and bhikkhunis had clearly defined rights of possession regarding robes (civara), and the sharing or giving of such cloth followed certain principles. This discourse guides when out-of-season robe cloth (akala) may be shared, that is, in special cases outside the normal period for sharing and exchanging robe cloth.
Main Content
In the Pali tradition, robes are divided according to different seasons: the rains robe (vassana-civara), the winter robe (hemanta-civara), and the summer robe (gimha-civara). Each season has a designated time for bhikkhus to receive and use robe cloth suited to weather conditions and needs.
The Akalacivara Discourse states that sharing out-of-season robe cloth, that is, outside the prescribed period, is allowed only in specific and valid circumstances. If a bhikkhu or bhikkhuni receives out-of-season robe cloth without following the permitted conditions, this is considered a violation of discipline. Permitted conditions include: when the robe cloth is given because of special necessity, or when there is permission from the Sangha, the monastic community.
The basic principle is that a bhikkhu should possess only the amount of robes appropriate to the needs of practice, not exceeding three robes (ticivara).
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