San Sarv Bu Pm Tf 11 Np 6Asking an Unrelated Person for Robes

An Explanation of the Aññātakaviññatti Sutta

Asking for Robe-Cloth from an Unfamiliar Person

Background

The Aññātakaviññatti Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, specifically to the Pātimokkha, the basic code of virtuous discipline for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. This teaching concerns Nisaggiya Pācittiya, rules of violation that require “relinquishment” and confession, often carrying more serious consequences than simple offenses.

In the Buddha’s time, when the order of bhikkhunīs was established, nuns were permitted to possess three robe-cloths according to the rule. However, because of living conditions and actual needs, bhikkhunīs sometimes needed to ask for additional robe-cloth. The Aññātakaviññatti Sutta is precisely the rule on how to ask for robe-cloth from unfamiliar people (aññātaka, people who are not close relatives or familiar Buddhist disciples).

Main Content

This rule states that when a bhikkhunī needs to ask for robe-cloth from an unfamiliar person, she must observe certain conditions. Most important, this must be done through the introduction of another bhikkhunī or with certification from the monastic community, rather than by asking directly on her own.

The reason for establishing this rule is to protect the purity and integrity of the monastic order. If bhikkhunīs ask strangers for requisites on their own without supervision or confirmation from the community, misunderstandings may arise, or even relationships that are not in accord with monastic discipline. The teaching states that asking for robe-cloth must be done openly, through official channels, in order to ensure transparency and moral propriety.

In addition, the rule also reflects the spirit of independence and self-mastery in the monastic life. Bhikkhunīs should not be overly dependent on support from unfamiliar individuals, but should rely on the help of the monastic community and sincere Buddhist devotees.