San Lo Bu Pm Np 11Pure Black Blanket
Pāli / Sanskrit:Suddhakāla
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The Scripture on Pure Clean Clothing (Suddhakāla)
Background
The Scripture on Pure Clean Clothing (Suddhakāla) belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, where the Buddha established rules of training for the community of monks and nuns. This scripture is found in the Pātimokkha Nissaggiya Pācittiya section of the Vinaya, the rules concerning lighter offenses requiring forfeiture and confession, and reflects the Buddha's deep concern for cleanliness and discipline in the life of practice.
In its historical context, as the Sangha developed, practical issues concerning property, clothing, and the living needs of practitioners needed to be clearly defined. Clothing is not only a basic item but also a symbol of mindfulness and discipline, reflecting the humble and unambitious spirit of one who has gone forth. This scripture, under the title "Pure Black Blanket," emphasizes the quality of purity and proper timing in the use of daily requisites.
Main Content
The Suddhakāla scripture deals with the proper and timely use of clothing. The key term in the scripture is "suddhakāla," a pure period, or the appropriate time for using or changing basic property.
The Buddha prescribed that bhikkhus should not keep clothing too long without using it, or store it with an intention toward display and vanity. Instead, the use of clothing must follow the principle of specific time limits (kālavāra), ensuring that property is used mindfully, without excess or waste. This prevents ambition and attachment to material things, and ensures that the Sangha always maintains a spirit of humility.
The scripture also contains a system for determining the "pure time," when a bhikkhu is permitted to use or change clothing without violating the discipline. This process is not arbitrary, but must follow the Buddha's instruction and the consensus of the Sangha, expressing respect for communal rules.
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