San Lo Bu Pm Np 14A New Blanket Should be Kept for Six Years
Pāli / Sanskrit:Chabbassa
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THE CHABBASSA SCRIPTURE: A NEW ROBE SHOULD BE KEPT FOR SIX YEARS
Background
The Chabbassa scripture is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Nissaggiya Pācittiya section, the offenses that must be confessed and forfeited. These are detailed rules that bhikkhus must observe in the use of personal requisites, especially basic robes.
The background sets out the issue of a bhikkhu possessing a new robe, whether basic or donated. The question arises: how long should a practitioner keep this requisite? And if he wishes to discard it or give it to someone else, what regulations must be followed? This rule was laid down by the Buddha with the clear purpose of regulating how those who have gone forth use property, avoiding greed, trade, or improper exploitation of goods contrary to the spirit of renunciation.
Main Content
According to the rule recorded in this scripture, a new robe received or donated to a bhikkhu must be kept for six years (chabbassa = chabb, six + vassa, rains or years). During this time, the bhikkhu is not permitted to give, sell, or exchange the robe for other objects except in specially permitted circumstances.
If a bhikkhu violates this rule, that is, if he does not keep the robe for the full six years but casually gives it away or exchanges it for gain, money, or other valuable objects, he commits a Nissaggiya Pācittiya offense. This offense requires the bhikkhu to confess before other companions in the holy life and to forfeit the robe, no longer having the right to continue possessing it.
Permitted exceptions include: the robe is damaged, worn out to the point that it can no longer be used, or the bhikkhu legally leaves the Sangha. In addition, if the robe is lost, burned, stolen, or destroyed for reasons beyond the bhikkhu's intention, this is not considered a violation.
Practical Meaning
The Chabbassa scripture is not only a formal rule; it expresses a deep principle in the Vinaya Piṭaka: the regulation of craving and material pleasure.
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