Xct Mu Bi Pm Np 6Asking an Unrelated Person for Robes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Aññātakaviññatti
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The Sutta on Asking an Unrelated Person for Robes
Aññātakaviññatti
Background
The Vinaya Piṭaka is the precious scripture that records the ascetic rules of the Sangha community. Within it, the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, the discipline specifically for nuns, contains detailed regulations on daily life and humble conduct. The sutta “Asking an Unrelated Person for Robes” (Aññātakaviññatti) is part of the Pratimoksha, the list of precepts that each bhikkhunī must recite at least once every fortnight.
This sutta arose from a specific circumstance in the early Sangha community. When a bhikkhunī needed robes, a monastic possession, she had to follow strict rules on the manner of asking. This was not because of greed or harshness, but in order to train the mind in kindness, respect, and humility, fundamental qualities in Buddhism.
Main Content
Aññātakaviññatti, from aññātaka (an unrelated person, not a relative or close friend) and viññatti (request or notification), stipulates that a bhikkhunī is not permitted to ask directly for robes from people who have no close relationship with her, except under specific conditions.
According to the Pāli Vinaya, a bhikkhunī is permitted to receive robes only through lawful channels: from parents, relatives, or familiar people who have shown faith in the life of practice. If she asks a stranger for robes, this may lead to misunderstandings, violation of the dignity of a nun, or open an opportunity for impure motives.
This content is also related to the principle of the “Four Foundations of Mindfulness” (Cattāro Satipaṭṭhānā), always maintaining mindfulness of body, feelings, mind, and phenomena. Observing the rule on asking for robes is itself a way of preserving the purity of body and mind, avoiding pride or shame.
Practical Meaning
On the surface, Aññātakaviññatti is a disciplinary rule about how to ask for robes.
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