San Lo Bu Pm Np 3Out-of-Season Robe Cloth
Pāli / Sanskrit:Akālacīvara
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The Out-of-Season Robe Cloth Sutra (Akālacīvara)
Background
The Akālacīvara sutra is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically in the Sutta Vibhaṅga of the Pātimokkha (the basic code). These are regulations concerning the personal property of monastics, especially the possession and use of robe cloth (cīvara) outside the prescribed period.
In the Theravāda Buddha-Dharma tradition, robe cloth is one of the five basic possessions permitted to a samaṇa. However, the Buddha set limits on the time of possession in order to prevent attachment to material things. The background of this sutra arose from specific situations within the Sangha community, when members tried to keep cloth beyond the permitted period, causing the Buddha to clearly define this rule in order to maintain discipline and the spirit of the tradition.
Main Content
The sutra speaks of a monastic not being permitted to possess robe cloth beyond the specified time. According to the Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka, robe cloth must be used on certain occasions such as the rainy season, winter, or summer. If a monastic intentionally keeps robe cloth outside these periods without a valid reason, this is a violation.
Specifically, out-of-season robe cloth (akālacīvara) is defined as cloth possessed or used inconsistently with the prescribed time. This concerns not only legal observance, but also reflects the spirit of non-attachment of one who practices. Out-of-season robe cloth is regarded as surplus property, contrary to the principle of simple and ascetic living.
The sutra also states valid exceptions, such as when a monastic has a legitimate reason such as illness or special weather conditions. In addition, there are regulations concerning how to handle this out-of-season robe cloth, usually by giving it to another person or to the collective body in order to avoid private attachment.
Practical Meaning
The Akālacīvara sutra is not only an administrative rule, but carries deep meaning concerning the spirit of practice.
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