Xct Mu Bi Pm Np 23Out-of-Season Robe Cloth

Sutta on Out-of-Season Robe Cloth (Akālacīvara)

Background

The Akālacīvara Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha. This is a regulation concerning the preparation and use of robe cloth outside the prescribed rainy-season retreat (vassa).

In the context of Theravāda Buddhism, the Blessed Buddha taught bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs to observe strict disciplinary rules in order to maintain the purity of the Sangha. Regulations concerning clothing have not only practical meaning but also symbolize the humble spirit of practice, focused on the Dharma and free from craving for material things.

The rainy-season retreat (vassa) lasts three months, usually from July to October according to the Southeast Asian lunar calendar. During this period, bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs are required to prepare cloth for making robes after the retreat, but this preparation must follow specific rules.

Main Content

The Akālacīvara Sutta stipulates that bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs must not sew or prepare robe cloth outside the prescribed periods. Specifically, sewing cloth to make robes must take place during the permitted time and must not be done out of season (akāla) whenever one personally wishes.

The purpose of this regulation is:

First, to maintain collective discipline in the Sangha. When all members follow the same time standard, harmony and order are established.

Second, to avoid greed and excessive concern with clothing and material things. If one were free to make robes at any time, the mind would be scattered by trivial matters.

Third, to ensure fairness and the spirit of communal living. When bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs share a common rule, no one receives special preference or separate conditions, and equality is maintained.