Lzh Sarv Bu Vb Np 27Haste-Cloth

Explanation of the Accekacīvara Sutta (Haste-Cloth)

Background

The Accekacīvara Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda tradition of the Buddha-Dharma, within the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, the analysis of the rules for bhikkhunīs. This Vinaya Piṭaka was compiled to guide bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs in observing the regulations concerning ethics and communal discipline within the Sangha.

This text concerns rules related to the robe (cīvara), an essential element in the renunciant life. In the Theravāda tradition, the robe is not merely clothing, but also carries symbolic meaning: simplicity, humility, and liberation from material desires. The word “acceka” (urgent, sudden) suggests that this text is connected with urgent or exceptional situations in the use and care of robes.

Main Content

The Vinaya Piṭaka prescribes that each bhikkhu and bhikkhunī must follow strict principles regarding the number and use of robes. The Accekacīvara Sutta deals with special situations related to robes made in haste, or robes used in emergencies without following the ordinary procedure.

Specifically, this text explains rules concerning when a monastic may use an urgent robe, a single-layer cloth rather than the usual threefold robe, in special circumstances such as while traveling, during rain, or when there is not enough time to prepare a robe in the standard way. This reflects the Buddha’s flexibility in establishing rules of practice, always taking into account the real conditions of bhikkhunīs.

The law is never rigid, but allows reasonable exceptions when there is a valid reason. Yet these exceptions must not be abused; they are permitted only in genuinely necessary cases, and must always be examined by the Sangha community to ensure fairness and prevent misuse.