Upp Np 8Requesting Fine Robes From a Robe Fund
Pāli / Sanskrit:Upakkhata
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
THE UPAKKHATA SUTTA: WORTHINESS IN THE USE OF ROBES
Context
Upakkhata is a training rule in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, where the rules of practice for Buddhist nuns are recorded. It is one of the detailed training rules concerning carefulness in the use of communal property, especially the robe fund.
In the early tradition, robes are not merely everyday clothing but also a symbol of dedicating oneself to the Dharma. The robe fund is formed through the faith of laypeople, who contribute property to support monks and nuns in their practice. Therefore, the use of this fund must follow ethical principles so as not to damage trust and the spirit of offering.
This training rule arose from a specific incident: nuns wished to request fine robes from the communal fund, not because of necessity but because of preference or pleasure. The Buddha then taught monks and nuns the rules concerning worthiness and the proper way to request, in accordance with the law of karma and ethics.
Main Content
The Upakkhata training rule concerns requesting fine robes from the communal fund. According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, a nun should not request robes that are too fine or unnecessary, or request too often beyond the needs of practice. This is not an absolute prohibition, but guidance in moderation and respect.
The main rule is this: if that nun has robes that can still be used, she should not ask for more; only if there is true necessity may she ask. When asking, the manner must also be proper: she should not insist on luxurious things or things unnecessary for the life of practice. This is an expression of the discipline of loving-kindness (mettā), respecting the devotional feeling of the contributors and not exploiting their kindness.
The essence of this training rule is to teach monks and nuns to understand that communal property does not belong to any individual, but is the accumulated merit of the community. Using it aimlessly or excessively damages that merit.
🌏 The Buddhist canon is vast — some sūtras (such as comparative Vinaya across schools, or untranslated Tibetan-canon texts) have to this day NEVER been translated into Vietnamese or English by anyone, scholars included. Rather than leave it blank, Inti AI offers a FAITHFUL summary grounded in the tradition — from the sūtra's title, origin and essence — so you can still reach this rare part of the treasury. Whenever an original translation exists, the app shows the original first.
Translations belong to the translator/source credited above. The bilingual compilation, presentation, and AI translations compiled by Inti are © Inti Foundation. Please attribute when quoting; do not bulk-copy or use commercially without permission.