Mpt Np 7Accepting Too Many Robes

Tatuttari Sutra: Explanation on Accepting Too Many Kāṣāya Robes

Background

In the Theravāda tradition, the Vinaya Piṭaka is the canon that regulates rules for the community of monks and nuns. The Tatuttari Sutra appears in the Pātimokkha Niddesa, the exposition of prohibitive rules, specifically in the Nissaggiya Pācittiya section, offenses requiring confession and relinquishment. This text is directly related to the handling of material property by renunciants, especially kāṣāya robes.

The historical context shows that, as Buddhism developed, disputes arose around the issue of monks and nuns holding too much material property, which conflicted with the spirit of ascetic practice and renunciation. The Tatuttari Sutra was established to prevent this abuse and ensure that renunciants possess only what is necessary for survival and practice.

Main Content

This text prescribes that if a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī receives too many kāṣāya robes beyond the permitted number, usually three robes considered basic, that person must perform an act of confession called nissaggiya, relinquishing and handing them over to the Sangha.

Specifically, if a monastic receives additional robes without observing the regulation concerning time limits or proper occasions, or if that person deliberately accumulates robes beyond need, the offense is classified as Nissaggiya Pācittiya. This means that the person has not only committed an offense but must also give up the improperly held possessions.

This rule is not a grave offense, such as Pārājika or Saṅghādisesa, but it does require careful attention and inner discipline. The Tatuttari Sutra emphasizes that renunciants should be clearly aware of what they own and must always be ready to relinquish what exceeds the prescribed limit.

Practical Meaning

The Tatuttari Sutra is not merely an administrative code but also a profound lesson on ambition and attachment.