Xct Mu Bi Pm Np 3Out-of-Season Robe Cloth
Pāli / Sanskrit:Akālacīvara
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SUTTA ON SACRED ROBE CLOTH OUTSIDE THE RAINY SEASON
Akālacīvara Paritta Bhikkhu Pācittiya
Background
This sutta is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, specifically in the Pācimokkha, the disciplinary code, of the Theravāda school. The Pācimokkha is the basic code that all bhikkhus must observe, consisting of fundamental rules that are not to be violated in order to maintain the purity of the Sangha.
In historical context, the Buddha established regulations concerning the basic robes of bhikkhus in order to create the best conditions for practice. The formation of these rules was connected with specific situations that occurred in the early Sangha. The Akālacīvara Sutta concerns the issue of bhikkhus possessing or storing robe cloth outside the permitted seasons, that is, failing to observe regulations on the time limit for owning requisites (cīvara khandhaka).
Main Content
According to the Vinaya Pitaka, a bhikkhu is permitted to possess four basic requisites called “catu-parikkhara”: robes (cīvara), an almsbowl (patta), a sleeping mat, and a water strainer. Robe cloth in particular is subject to very strict regulations concerning the period of possession.
The Akālacīvara Sutta regulates the case of a bhikkhu possessing basic robe cloth beyond the permitted time, usually more than thirty days after receiving it, outside the rainy season or special occasions. If a bhikkhu deliberately keeps robe cloth beyond the time limit without an objective reason, this is considered a violation of the Pācimokkha, an offense requiring public confession.
This regulation arises from a fundamental principle in the Vinaya: to oppose the accumulation of possessions and to encourage continuous mindfulness regarding ownership. A bhikkhu should not have an attitude of possession toward any object, because this is contrary to the spirit of going forth.
Practical Meaning
The Akālacīvara Sutta is not only an administrative regulation, but also reflects a profound truth about mental attitude and liberation.
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