Lzh Sarv Bu Pm 2 Pc 87Rainy-Season Robes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Vassikasāṭikā
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The Discourse on Rainy-Season Robes (Vassikasāṭikā)
Background
The discourse on rainy-season robes (Vassikasāṭikā) is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically in the Pātimokkha section, the rules of discipline. It is one of the regulations concerning the possessions of bhikkhus, the items essential for the renunciant life.
The Pātimokkha was compiled in the early period of Buddhism in order to maintain discipline and harmony within the Sangha. Regulations concerning clothing, especially the rainy-season robe (vassikasāṭika), reflect the climate of ancient India, with its long rainy season. During this season, bhikkhus did not go out much, but concentrated on practice in the monasteries. Thus the regulation on the rainy-season robe is not merely a matter of clothing, but also an expression of adaptation to natural conditions and the needs of practice.
This regulation arose from disputes or lack of clarity among bhikkhus concerning the possession, use, and exchange of rainy-season robes. Therefore the Buddha gave a specific rule to regulate this conduct, in order to avoid greed and conflict and to ensure fairness in the Sangha.
Main Content
The discourse states that each bhikkhu is permitted to possess one rainy-season robe (vassikasāṭika), a thick specialized garment for protection from rain and sun during the three-month summer season. Standards concerning the quality, color, and manner of using this robe are specified in detail to avoid distinction and craving.
The specific content of this discourse has not yet been fully translated; however, according to the general context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, this regulation forbids bhikkhus to prepare rainy-season robes in an overly elaborate or ostentatious way. They are not to exchange or sell rainy-season robes for private profit. In addition, the discourse also regulates how a bhikkhu should handle the rainy-season robe outside the rainy season, showing that this is temporary property, not permanent property.
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