Lzh Sarv Bu Vb Np 16Carrying Wool
Pāli / Sanskrit:Eḷakaloma
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Eḷakaloma Discourse: Exposition of the Rule on Carrying Wool
Context
The Eḷakaloma discourse (Pāli: Eḷa-kaloma, meaning "carrying wool") belongs to the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga in the Vinaya Pitaka, the section regulating female bhikkhunīs. This is one of the detailed rules of the discipline intended to maintain the proper conduct of the female monastic community.
In the time of the Buddha, when bhikkhunīs were recognized and admitted into the Sangha, the Blessed One established many rules to protect the life of practice and remove society's suspicions. This discourse arose from a specific incident: a female monastic carried wool, the soft fleece taken from sheep or other animals, for use in daily needs. This act was considered a violation if done for the purpose of adornment or sensual desire, because it was not in keeping with the delicate humility of a practitioner of the Buddha Dharma.
Main Content
The discourse prescribes that a bhikkhunī should not carry or use wool in any form except in legitimate cases. Wool here is not only a physical material, but also represents attachment to unnecessary decorative items and desires related to appearance.
This rule is established on a basic principle: a practitioner of the Buddha Dharma should abandon what is nonessential. A female monastic should possess only the requisites necessary for the life of practice: robes, bowl, sandals, mat, shelter, and medicines when needed. Carrying wool goes beyond this scope and creates mental attachment to outward appearance.
Depending on the situation and motive, this action is classified in the discipline at different levels of offense. If a female monastic carries wool for adornment or to refine her appearance out of a mind seeking protection or obedience from others, that is a more serious violation. Conversely, if it is accidental or for a legitimate reason, for example keeping warm in severe weather, the degree of offense is lighter or it is not considered an offense.
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