Mpt Np 16Carrying Wool

Eḷakaloma Sutra — Explanation of the Vinaya

Background

The Eḷakaloma Sutra (Mpt Np 16) belongs to the Nissaggiya Pācittiya section, the prohibitive rules involving forfeiture in the traditional Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka. This is one of the detailed regulations concerning the use of cloth and weaving materials in the community of monks and nuns. The text reflects the effort of early Buddhism to restrain greed and instruct bhikkhus in the proper ethical use of material things in accordance with the renunciant life.

The background for the arising of this rule comes from specific events in the monastic community during the Buddha’s lifetime. Bhikkhus failed to observe modesty in receiving and using requisites, especially cloth for making robes, which led the Buddha to promulgate a regulation to instruct them in moral example and truthfulness in practice.

Main Content

The Eḷakaloma Sutra concerns the receiving and use of cloth by bhikkhus, especially cloth that has been given or found. This rule prohibits a bhikkhu from arbitrarily receiving additional cloth from a donor without the permission or agreement of the Sangha. In particular, if a bhikkhu receives cloth from a donor to make a kāṣāya robe and then deliberately asks for more cloth without following the proper procedure, that constitutes a Nissaggiya Pācittiya offense.

The term “Eḷakaloma” is connected with holding or retaining cloth improperly. When a bhikkhu has already received a suitable amount of cloth for his needs but still tries to obtain more by such means as false speech, improper bargaining, or making excuses, that is a violation. This rule requires purity and honesty in material transactions.

The complexity of the text lies in the fact that it does not merely prohibit a specific act, but also emphasizes the inner attitude: greed (lobha), deception (moha), and conceit (māna) concerning everyday objects. This is why the Vinaya Piṭaka gives importance to even the smallest details of daily life.