Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Np 4Asking an Unrelated Person for Robes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Aññātakaviññatti
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Aññātakaviññatti: Asking an Unrelated Person for Robes
Background
This Vinaya passage belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, specifically the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga (the detailed rules for nuns). It deals with a practical situation arising from the difficult practice of the early community of nuns.
The historical context of this sutra concerns difficulties in carrying out the Five Prohibitions (Pañca Nissaraṇā) regarding restrictions on owning cloth and clothing. A nun is permitted to possess only three sets of robes (tiparissaya, three cloths), and requesting new robe cloth must follow strict rules. When she needs an inner robe (antaravāsaka), a nun may not herself ask relatives or related persons, but must go through unrelated persons (aññātaka).
Main Content
Aññātaka literally means "those who are not relatives," that is, laymen or laywomen who have no blood relationship with the nun. The sutra enforces the rule that when a nun needs to ask for an inner robe, she must request it through such persons and may not request it directly from those related by blood (ñātaka).
This principle aims to protect the independence of the nun and prevent favors or overly close personal relationships that could affect the concentration of practice. By requesting through unrelated persons, the nun is protected from delicate psychological or social situations.
The sutra also states clearly that if a nun requests an inner robe from relatives in an improper way, that action is regarded as a Pācittiya violation (a minor offense requiring remorse). This rule does not apply if the nun has first asked an unrelated person and has not received one, and only afterward requests it from relatives.
Practical Meaning
This rule reflects the deep philosophy of the Buddhadharma concerning spiritual independence and the relinquishment of craving.
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