Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Np 23Asking a Group for Fine Robes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Asking a group for fine robes
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The Discourse on Asking a Group for Fine Robes
Background
This discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, the detailed disciplinary section established by the Buddha for the community of monks and nuns. In the Buddha’s time, the matter of clothing for those gone forth was one of the important rules of life, because ceremonial robes not only symbolized going forth but were also necessary articles of daily life.
The disciplinary texts in this collection record specific circumstances in which the Buddha or the sages of the Sangha’s ancestors discovered events that had occurred, and from them established the rules monastics had to observe. The discourse “Asking a Group for Fine Robes” is one of the rules concerning the proper way monks and nuns may request clothing requisites from the community, avoiding inappropriate actions in communal life.
Main Content
This discourse revolves around the question: how may monks and nuns properly ask for robes of good quality, fine robes, from the community of lay devotees? In the Theravāda tradition, those gone forth are permitted to possess three personal robes (tissaraṇa) and one blanket, the minimum requisites of life. However, asking for things must follow specific ethical principles.
The Buddha taught that a monk should not request or suggest that any particular individual must give him fine robes. Instead, if necessary, the monk may publicly inform the monastic community that he needs robes to wear. The community, if able, will arrange reasonable support.
This rule reflects a fundamental principle: those gone forth should not accumulate property and should not use cunning techniques or inducements to obtain material things better than those of others. Directly asking an individual easily leads to unequal relationships, favoritism, and abuse of authority.
Practical Meaning
This disciplinary discourse teaches an important lesson about transparency, responsibility, and community.
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