Bu Np 33. Keeping extra robe-cloth beyond a month

AKĀLACĪVARA SUTTA (Keeping Extra Robe-Cloth Beyond the Time Limit)

Background

The Akālacīvara belongs to the Bhikkhu Pāṭimokkha (the code of rules for bhikkhus), a central part of the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda tradition. This code of rules was compiled from the teachings of the Buddha for the Saṅgha, in order to maintain discipline, purity, and harmony among bhikkhus living and practicing in community.

The rules concerning robes (cīvara) are by no means a trivial matter in the life of practice. In the spirit of Buddhism, robes are one of the four requisites (paccaya) that should be regarded only as supports for practice, not as objects of sensual enjoyment. The clear stipulation of a time limit for keeping extra robe-cloth reflects the mature wisdom of the Dharma in balancing practical needs with the cultivation of non-covetousness (anabhijjhā).

Main Content

The rule stipulates that a bhikkhu is permitted to keep extra robe-cloth beyond the amount allowed for daily use, but only for a period of one month (māsaṁ), on the condition that he is awaiting other robe-cloth expected to arrive, or intends to receive it. This period is reckoned from the day the bhikkhu begins keeping the extra robe-cloth.

If the bhikkhu continues to keep the extra robe-cloth beyond one month without a legitimate reason (for example, merely having forgotten, or having no new robe-cloth to replace it), this action is considered a violation of a Pācittiya — an offense requiring confession (vinicchaya). The bhikkhu must:

1. Relinquish the extra robe-cloth
2. Confess the offense before another bhikkhu or before the assembly (perform the act of confession)

This rule does not exclude reasonable circumstances. If the reason for awaiting robe-cloth is legitimate and the bhikkhu genuinely intends to make use of it, no violation is incurred. Nevertheless, a possessive mind-state (possessiveness) is a warning sign to which a practitioner must pay careful attention.