Lzh Sarv Bu Pm Np 26Keeping Robes while Staying in Risky Regions
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sāsaṅka
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The Sāsaṅka Sutta: Keeping Robes in Dangerous Regions
Background
The Sāsaṅka Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravada Buddhist tradition. It is an important disciplinary rule concerning the conduct of bhikkhus and bhikkhunis in the Sangha community.
According to the historical context, the Buddha often established rules of training when his disciples encountered specific situations. The Sāsaṅka Sutta reflects a practical situation in the life of a bhikkhu when he needed to stay in or pass through wandering, dangerous, or uncultivated regions. These might have been deep forests, places with wild beasts, or areas on the margins of controlled society.
The name "Sāsaṅka" (শাসঙ্ক or hare) may suggest the nature of wariness, caution, or relative vulnerability when facing danger. This text is not only a rule about robes, but also a lesson in protection and carefulness in practice.
Main Content
This text states that when bhikkhus must remain or dwell in dangerous regions, places where there are threats from nature or unstable conditions, they need to take reasonable measures to protect their robes, the basic requisites of the religious life.
Specifically, the Vinaya allows bhikkhus to use certain methods to safeguard their robes when they are in such regions. This may include leaving the robes in a safe place, or carrying them if movement is necessary. In essence, the regulation is a balance between the principles of Vinaya and the practical realities of living conditions.
According to the Theravada tradition, bhikkhus must keep five basic requisites: robe, bowl, water cup, belt, and toothbrush. The robe (civara) is regarded as one of the essential requisites of a bhikkhu. Therefore, guarding the robe is not merely protecting property, but protecting one of the basic instruments of practice.
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