Bu Np 1010. Excessive prompting to get a robe
Pāli / Sanskrit:Rāja
When money to be used for a monk’s robe has been placed with a steward in the proper way, that monk may hint to the steward that he needs a robe. If he does not get a robe in this way, but he does get one by acting inappropriately, he must relinquish the robe and confess the offense. This rule also prescribes the procedure through which a lay follower comes to hold money on behalf of a donor who wishes to support a monk.
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Commentary on the Butsudharma Niyata Pātimokkha 10: The Rule on the Proper Way to Request a Robe
Background
The Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition records the rules of conduct for monks and nuns, established by the Buddha on the basis of specific events within the religious community. Butsudharma Niyata Pātimokkha number 10 (abbreviated Bu Np 10), also known as Rāja, concerns a highly practical matter: how a monk may obtain a robe when he does not yet have funds in hand, and how to avoid an ethical transgression in the process.
In the time of the Buddha, those who had gone forth (or monks in general) required material support from the faithful laity. However, improper solicitation or an undignified attitude would run counter to the spirit of the renunciant life. This rule was established to protect both the purity of the monk and the faith of those who make offerings.
Main Content
The regulation set forth in this rule is quite clear: when funds for the purchase of a robe have been properly placed with a steward, the monk may gently suggest to that steward that he is in need of a set of robes. This is an indirect and courteous approach—rather than speaking bluntly or making repeated requests.
However, if after making this suggestion the monk still has not received a robe, yet nonetheless obtains one by acting improperly (for example, by repeated importuning, offensive conduct, or by resorting to dishonest means), then that monk must forfeit the robe and confess the offense before the community of the Sangha. This constitutes a nissaggiya (forfeiture) offense, a disciplinary penalty within the Sangha.
The rule also clearly prescribes the procedure: a lay person may act as the keeper of funds on behalf of a donor who wishes to support a particular monk. This protects both parties—the monk need not directly solicit money, and the donor is assured that their funds will be used for the intended purpose without giving rise to exploitation or causing annoyance.
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