Lzh Sarv Bu Pm Np 23Asking for Thread

The Suttaviññatti Sutta — Asking Permission by Speech

Background

The Suttaviññatti Sutta (Sutta-viññatti, tentatively translated "asking permission by speech") is an important part of the Bhikkhu Pāṭimokkha, the fundamental code for male monastics in the Theravada tradition. This text lies in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pārissuddhi section of the Bhikkhu Pāṭimokkha, and is classified as Nissaggiya Pācittiya, offenses requiring forfeiture with minor confession.

The background from which the text arose concerns practical situations in the early monastic community. At that time, bhikkhus needed essential requisites for practice, such as clothing, the cloth used for making robes, kasāva. The question was: how could a bhikkhu ask for cloth without violating his principle of renunciation?

The Buddha instructed that the proper method was to ask clearly by speech (suttaviññatti), not to ask by hinting or indirect suggestion. This reflects the spirit of the Sangha’s discipline: transparency, honesty, and respect for the dignity of both the one who asks and the one who gives.

Main Content

According to Suttaviññatti, when a bhikkhu needs to ask for cloth or any requisite, he must follow the principle of "asking by speech" (suttaviññatti). This means speaking clearly and directly, without evasion or subtle suggestion.

The specific content of this text has not been fully translated, but according to the general context of the Bhikkhu Pāṭimokkha, the rule states that:

First, the bhikkhu must ask permission from the senior elders or from the steward of the Sangha before voicing his request. The wording must be brief and dignified, without persuasive language or mention of the value, quality, or importance of the thing requested. For example, instead of saying, "I ask for the best cloth," the bhikkhu should say only, "I ask for cloth" or "I need cloth to make a robe."