Lzh Sarv Bu Pm 2 Np 16Carrying Wool
Pāli / Sanskrit:Eḷakaloma
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Eḷakaloma Sutta (Carrying Fine Wool)
Background
The Eḷakaloma Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, specifically in the Pāṭimokkha section, the recitation of the precepts. This is one of the choices of the Buddha when promulgating rules of practice for the Sangha in order to preserve discipline and maintain harmony in the community of those gone forth.
The term "Eḷakaloma" may be rendered roughly as "fine wool" or "soft fleece," referring to small and delicate articles in monastic life. This rule arose from practical need: the Buddha had to guide bhikkhus in how to use daily personal requisites properly, avoiding accumulation or mistaken management. This sutta reflects the minimalist yet orderly way of life of the early Sangha, where each object was regarded as a tool to support practice, not as an object of ownership.
Main Content
The rule on carrying fine wool (eḷakaloma) belongs to the group of minor prohibitions (thullaccaya) in the Pāṭimokkha. It concerns bhikkhus’ use of compact materials such as wool, cotton, or similar articles for sewing kāṣāya robes (cīvara) or other monastic garments.
According to the principle of the Vinaya Piṭaka, these requisites must be managed according to certain standards. The Buddha did not permit bhikkhus to accumulate many materials without present need, because doing so violates the spirit of "fewness of wishes and contentment" (santuṭṭhi), a basic virtue of the practitioner. Moreover, poor management causes the Sangha to lose its unity and discipline.
The specific rule requires that when a bhikkhu carries fine wool for sewing or repairing a kāṣāya robe, there must be a proper and careful reason. These things must not be left scattered or forgotten without use. If he violates this, the bhikkhu must confess his fault during the weekly Pāṭimokkha recitation.
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