Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Np 5Accepting Too Many Robes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Tatuttari
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Tatuttari Sutra (Accepting Too Many Robes)
Background
The Tatuttari Sutra belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, specifically the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga (the explanation of the rules for nuns). This sutra was compiled as the Blessed Buddha and his disciples established rules for communal living while teaching the Dharma, in order to maintain discipline, harmony, and favorable conditions for practice.
In that context, the issue of monks or nuns accepting too many robes (civara) caused disputes and imbalance in the Sangha community. One person had too many robes while another lacked them; this was contrary to the spirit of the Middle Way (Majjhima Patipada) taught by the Buddha. Therefore, this sutra was recorded to correct conduct that exceeded what was necessary in owning and accepting requisites for practice.
Main Content
The Tatuttari Sutra revolves around the principle that monks (or nuns) should accept only those robes appropriate to the actual needs of a monastic. The kāṣāya robe is a symbol of renunciation, a sacred garment protecting body and mind, but it is not for accumulation and enjoyment.
According to the Pāti Mokkha rule, each monk is permitted to keep at most three sets of robes (Tissambarana): the great robe (uttarasaṅga), the outer robe (saṅghāti), and the inner robe (antarvāsa). To exceed this number and still accept more is considered a violation of the Seclusion-rule (Āvāsika Sutta) or the Robe-rule, depending on the school. If a nun accepts too many robes beyond the permitted amount and does not pass them on to others, this is regarded as a Vinaya offense (Saṅghādisesa or Pācittiya depending on the case).
The sutra states clearly that receiving robes should be done mindfully and with a sense of measure. If any nun accepts more than three sets of robes without a legitimate reason (such as preparing to replace old robes), she is considered to lack concentration (samadhi), lack wisdom (paññā), and to have fallen into greed (lobha).
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