Bi Np 1818. Requesting a fine robe from a fund
Pāli / Sanskrit:Upakkhata
If a lay person wants to buy a robe for a nun, and the nun asks them for a fine robe, she must relinquish the robe and confess the offense.
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Exposition of the Upakkhata Rule (Requesting a Fine Robe from a Fund)
Background
The Upakkhata rule belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically to the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha (the complete code of discipline for nuns). The circumstances giving rise to this rule are connected with regulations governing the management of property and the proper conduct of Buddhist nuns within the early monastic community.
During the time when the Buddha was still alive, devoted lay followers would often prepare welfare funds or voluntarily offer robes (cīvara) to monks and nuns. The robe is one of the four basic requisites of Buddhist monastics and is regarded as a practical necessity, not a luxury. However, a problem arose when certain nuns, upon being asked by lay donors whether they were in need of any robes, gave rise to a mind of greed—requesting fine, costly robes instead of accepting ordinary ones that would have been appropriate.
This act—requesting a fine robe (upakkhata, meaning a robe of particularly high quality or excessive quality) from a general fund—violates the principles of few wishes (appicchata) and contentment (santuṭṭhi), which are fundamental virtues in Buddhist practice. Accordingly, the Buddha promulgated this prohibition in order to correct the mental attitude and conduct of the nuns.
Main Content
The rule states clearly: if a lay follower intends to purchase a robe as a gift for a nun, and that nun deliberately requests a fine, costly robe (upakkhata) rather than an ordinary one, the nun commits either a minor offence (dukkaṭa) or a standard offence (pācittiya), depending on the circumstances.
The act of "requesting a fine robe" (upakkhata āroceti) is understood as the nun actively suggesting or expressing a desire that the lay donor purchase for her a robe of high quality, elaborate workmanship, or considerable expense. This act reflects a mind of greed (lobha) and constitutes an affront to the altruistic spirit of service on the part of the donor—who is willing to help, yet is exploited by the nun's taking advantage of their loving-kindness to demand things in excess of what is necessary.
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