Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Np 7Requesting Fine Robes From a Combined Robe Fund

Sutra on Requesting Fine Robes from a Combined Robe Fund

Background

This is a section of the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically the Nisaigiyavatta section (rules concerning what must not be done). The sutra speaks about bhikkhus requesting robes from the common robe fund of the Sangha.

In the Buddha's time, communities of believers often donated robes into a common fund to distribute to bhikkhus who lacked robes. However, later some bhikkhus began to exploit this fund to ask for robes of high quality, finer than necessary for the life of practice. The Buddha and the elders observed this bad habit arising, and so established a clear rule to restrain greed and maintain moderation in the community.

Main Content

This rule stipulates that a bhikkhu may not arbitrarily ask for luxurious or valuable robes from the Sangha's common robe fund. Instead, he may ask only for robes appropriate to basic need, sufficient to protect the body from the discomfort and exposure of nakedness (yathābhiraddhakaraṇa).

The act of asking for fine robes from the common fund without a legitimate reason is regarded as a Pacittiya offense (a minor act requiring confession). If a bhikkhu truly needs a new robe because his old robe is torn or damaged, he may show the old robe to the Sangha, and those managing the fund will consider providing a suitable robe.

The important point is care and dignity when asking. A bhikkhu must have a legitimate basis, not a personal preference or desire to enjoy fine things. This reflects a basic principle of Buddhist discipline: moderation in food, clothing, lodging, and medicine.

Practical Meaning

This rule is not only intended to build discipline in the Sangha, but is also a profound lesson about the nature of greed (lobha). When we have easy access to good things, the mind often finds it difficult to restrain itself.