Lzh Sarv Bu Pm Np 12Pure Black Blanket
Pāli / Sanskrit:Suddhakāla
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THE SUTTA OF THE PURE BLACK BLANKET (Suddhakāla)
Background
The Suddhakāla belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically the Pātimokkha Nuns' Rules of the Bhikkhunī Saṃgha. It is one of the detailed rules governing the bodily and verbal conduct of female monastics within the Theravāda Buddhist Saṃgha.
This sutta arose from a particular incident within the community of nuns during the lifetime of the Blessed One. The nuns required detailed guidance concerning cleanliness, timing, and the everyday articles of communal life. It is noteworthy that the title "Pure Black Blanket" does not refer to color or aesthetics, but rather to the quality of impartiality, honesty, and cleanliness in the use of communal articles. In Theravāda Buddhism, cleanliness (suddhī) is an expression of refined virtue and adherence to discipline.
Principal Content
The sutta prescribes how nuns are to handle robes (kāla) belonging to the common property of the Saṃgha. The most essential point concerns the proper keeping, use, and return of these articles with honesty, free from greed and exploitation.
The Blessed One instructed that nuns must regard such articles as the property of the entire Saṃgha, and not as personal possessions. When using them, one must ensure they are kept clean and are not soiled or damaged. When no longer in use, they must be returned in the proper manner.
This rule emphasizes the spirit of "non-covetousness" (anabhijjhā) — one of the three fundamental wholesome actions. It is also related to the precept of "not taking what is not given" (adinnādāna), one of the five basic precepts. The manner in which communal property is used is itself an opportunity to cultivate honesty and respect.
Practical Significance
The Suddhakāla is not merely a provisional regulation, but a profound means of practice.
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