San Sarv Bu Pm Finot Pc 87Rainy-Season Robes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Vassikasāṭikā
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Rainy-Season Robe Sutta (Vassikasāṭikā)
Background
The Rainy-Season Robe Sutta (Vassikasāṭikā) is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Pāli Canon, specifically in the Pātimokkha section, the basic ethical rules that all bhikkhus must observe. This discourse specifically addresses rules concerning the possession and use of cloth robes during the summer or rainy season (vassa), especially the heavy rains when bhikkhus must remain in one place for intensive practice.
The historical background of this rule arose from practical situations witnessed by the Buddha. At first, bhikkhus had no clear rule concerning the number of cloth robes they could possess, which led to disputes and greed. The Buddha, with complete wisdom, established appropriate rules so that disciples practicing austerity would have the necessary stability without being dominated by craving.
Main Content
The Rainy-Season Robe Sutta states that during the vassana period, the rainy season, usually lasting three months, bhikkhus are permitted to possess an additional cloth robe for use during the rains. This rule is intended to ensure that monastics have sufficient robes while drying their old robes, avoiding a situation in which they have no clothing to wear in damp and cold weather.
However, this permission is not unconditional. A bhikkhu may possess this rainy-season robe only if he has informed the Sangha community within ten days from the beginning of the rainy season (uddesavacana). If he exceeds this time limit without giving notice, the bhikkhu commits a Pācittiya offense, a rule requiring acknowledgment of the offense and confession.
In addition, the discourse clearly states that after the rainy season ends, the bhikkhu must relinquish ownership of this additional robe. If he obstinately keeps it, that is conduct contrary to the Dhamma. This rule reflects the principle of the Vinaya: not storing up excessive material possessions, keeping the mind always pure and free.
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