San Sarv Bi Pm Tf 44 Np 5Accepting Too Many Robes

The Sutta on Accepting Too Many Robes (Tatuttari)

Background

This sutta is recorded in the Vinaya Pitaka, specifically in the Nisaggiya Pācittiya section (offenses requiring forfeiture of the offending item and confession). It is one of the training rules related to the regulation of personal possessions for bhikkhus and bhikkhunis.

The background from which this rule arose is connected with the practical tradition of the early Sangha. As the disciples of the Buddha practiced, the matter of material ownership, especially garments and robes, became an obstacle to practice and harmonious communal living. Even in the Buddha’s time, some bhikkhus stored too many robes beyond their legitimate living needs, causing difficulties in storage, cleanliness, and the psychology of attachment to material things.

This rule was established by the Buddha in order to nurture the spirit of the Dhamma-vinaya, that is, appropriateness in the use of what is necessary for the life of practice. It reflects a basic Buddhist principle: keeping away from craving and from things that cause distraction.

Main Content

The basic principle of the Tatuttari rule is that a bhikkhu or bhikkhuni is not permitted to accept or store more than the prescribed number of robes. According to the Pali Vinaya, each renunciant is permitted to possess three robes, corresponding to three parts: the outer robe (uttarāsaṅga), the inner robe (antaghallissara), and the lower robe (antarmajjhesika). These are called the “three robes” (tayo cīvara).

If a bhikkhu accepts more than this number of robes without following the formal procedure, or stores them beyond the permitted period (one month, or until the following water-month season), that person violates a Nisaggiya Pācittiya rule. This means:

First, the excess robes are regarded as an object of violation and must be forfeited (nisaggiya). Second, the offender must confess to the Sangha or to an elder bhikkhu (pācittiya).