Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Pc 44Making Stains
Pāli / Sanskrit:Dubbaṇṇakaraṇa
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COMMENTARY ON THE DUBBAṆṆAKARAṆA RULE (A NOTE ON SOILING ROBES)
Context
The Dubbaṇṇakaraṇa rule (making dirty, soiling robes) is found in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga — the section of the Vinaya pertaining to bhikkhunīs (nuns) within the Vinaya Piṭaka of Theravāda Buddhism. This portion of the Pāli Canon does not contain profound Dharma teachings, but rather practical rules of conduct, established by the Buddha Gotama and the Sangha to guide the community of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs in maintaining discipline, cleanliness, and mutual respect.
At that time, the bhikkhunīs lived in community, sharing common spaces. A problem arose: when washing robes, if one was not careful, garments could become soiled, stained, or discolored by contact with the robes of others or by various impurities. This was not merely a matter of personal hygiene, but also concerned showing respect for the belongings of one's companions.
Main Content
The rule stipulates that when a bhikkhunī washes, or has another wash, her own robe (cīvara), she must take care not to soil or discolor (dubbaṇṇa) the garments of others. "Discoloring" (dubbaṇṇa) here means altering the color or quality of cloth through carelessness, or allowing stains or grease to transfer onto another person's garments.
If a bhikkhunī intentionally or carelessly soils the robes of a companion, she commits a Pāyantika offense — a serious offense requiring confession before another bhikkhunī. This rule emphasizes that carefulness in daily tasks is a part of Sangha ethics.
The offense does not arise if the bhikkhunī does not clearly know to whom the garments belong, or if she has informed the owner beforehand and received permission. This shows that intention (cetanā) plays an important role: the offense arises from carelessness or from a failure to respect the belongings of others.
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