Xct Mu Bu Pm Np 6Asking an Unrelated Person for Robes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Aññātakaviññatti
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
Aññātakaviññatti Discourse: Asking for Undergarments From an Outsider to the Practitioner
Background
Aññātakaviññatti (asking for undergarments from an unrelated person) is a rule in the Vinaya Piṭaka, belonging to the Cullavagga of the Pāli Canon, related to bhikkhus approaching laypeople to ask for support in the form of undergarments. This rule arose from a specific situation in the life of the Buddha, when monastics had a special need for undergarments that they could not provide for themselves.
In the Vinaya (Discipline), the rules concerning undergarments are not a minor matter. Undergarments (Pāli: antra-vaṭṭhuka) are regarded as a basic hygienic need of bhikkhus, distinct from the three main robes (tricīvara) that practitioners receive each year. Requesting undergarments from people who are not known, that is, people who have never had an ongoing charitable relationship with the monastics, requires observance of specific actions and forms of speech in order to avoid violating the ethical spirit of the Sangha.
Main Content
The rule Aññātakaviññatti states that when a bhikkhu needs to ask for undergarments from a person with whom he has no prior familiar relationship, this action must be carried out with an upright mind and proper method. The bhikkhu must not make a direct demand or insinuation, but must proceed through formal and straightforward steps.
Specifically, the spirit of this rule is to ensure that asking for undergarments does not become an opportunity for stealth, false humility, or exploitation of the compassion of laypeople. The Vinaya advises bhikkhus to ask for undergarments only from those they already know or from those who show themselves willing to give support. If it is necessary to ask from an outsider, the bhikkhu must be clear and honest about the real need, and must not abuse trust.
This is closely related to the Pātimokkhavibhaṅga (analysis of the rules) and the principle of not asking beyond one’s needs (aparihānika-dhamma). The bhikkhu is encouraged to be confident that the three main robes, one additional cloth, and undergarments are sufficient for the needs of a monastic life. Further requests must be limited and made only when truly necessary.
🌏 The Buddhist canon is vast — some sūtras (such as comparative Vinaya across schools, or untranslated Tibetan-canon texts) have to this day NEVER been translated into Vietnamese or English by anyone, scholars included. Rather than leave it blank, Inti AI offers a FAITHFUL summary grounded in the tradition — from the sūtra's title, origin and essence — so you can still reach this rare part of the treasury. Whenever an original translation exists, the app shows the original first.
Translations belong to the translator/source credited above. The bilingual compilation, presentation, and AI translations compiled by Inti are © Inti Foundation. Please attribute when quoting; do not bulk-copy or use commercially without permission.