Xct Mu Bu Vb Pc 84Needle Cases
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sūcighara
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Sūcighara Sutta (Needle Cases)
Background
The Sūcighara Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda tradition, specifically within the Pātimokkha section of the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga—the rules of training for bhikkhunīs (nuns). This is not a discourse on eternal peace, but rather detailed regulations concerning the discipline of communal living within the Saṅgha (the community of monastics).
The Vinaya Piṭaka was compiled after the Blessed One's parinirvāṇa, with the purpose of recording the conduct, utterances, and precedents that he had addressed, thereby forming rules that protect the moral purity (sīla) of the Saṅgha. The Vibhaṅga (Analysis) explains each rule in detail, encompassing provisions concerning property, food, clothing, and everyday articles within the monastery.
Main Content
The rule concerning "Needle Cases" (Sūcighara) relates to how bhikkhunīs are permitted to use, possess, and adorn personal articles—in particular those that serve the work of sewing or caring for monastic robes. The rule stipulates that bhikkhunīs may only possess needle cases according to certain standards: they must not be made overly elaborate, of gold or silver, or decorated with things that draw undue attention.
The reason for this regulation lies deep in the principles of celibacy, simplicity (appicchataṁ—fewness of desires), and non-attachment (anāgati—not clinging). The personal articles of monastics must serve a practical purpose—maintaining robes and carrying out necessary tasks—and must not be used to satisfy aesthetic sensibilities or social standing. The text describes specific situations: if a bhikkhunī possesses a needle case that exceeds the prescribed standard, or carries inappropriate ornaments, she commits a particular offense under the Pātimokkha rules.
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