San Sarv Bu Pm Tf 11 Np 3Out-of-Season Robe Cloth
Pāli / Sanskrit:Akālacīvara
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The Out-of-Season Robe Sutta (Akālacīvara)
Background
The Akālacīvara Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically to the Pāṭimokkha, the disciplinary code, in the class of Nisaggiya Pācittiya, prohibitions that require relinquishment and confession. These are detailed rules related to the management of property by monastics, especially clothing (cīvara).
The Blessed Buddha established these rules in order to prevent ambition, discrimination, and trouble within the community of hermitages. Early monastics sometimes received clothing at times unsuitable to the weather or to actual need, leading to argument and discord. Therefore, the Buddha laid down specific rules concerning the proper time for receiving monastic clothing.
In Pāli, “akāla” means “out of time” or “not in the proper season,” while “cīvara” means “clothing, robe.” This clause particularly emphasizes the issue of receiving clothing at improper times from donors or from sources not in accordance with the rule.
Main Content
According to the spirit of the Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka, monastics are prescribed three robes for the rainy season (vassa), with different characteristics: the lower robe, the upper robe (uttarāsaṅga), and the outer robe. Beyond these three standard robes, receiving additional clothing at a time outside the regulation, especially outside the period of robe distribution, is considered a violation of the third Nisaggiya Pācittiya.
The specific rule is that a monk may not receive out-of-season robe-cloth (akālaṁ cīvaraṁ) without a legitimate reason. If he receives it, even when it is given as an offering, the monk must confess to the Sangha and relinquish that property, that is, transfer it to someone else or give it up. This is called “nissaggiya,” meaning that ownership must be relinquished.
The deeper purpose of the teaching is to prevent craving for what is novel or precious, ensuring that monastics possess only what is necessary for practice and are not drawn into discrimination based on the quality or quantity of garments.
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