Confession 77

First Origin Story

The Buddha was staying at Sāvatthī. At that time, a bhikkhunī wearing her upper and lower robes came to pay respect at the World-honored One’s feet. Afterwards a fire broke out, and burned her (saṅghāṭī) robe. The bhikkhunīs told Mahāpajāpatī, and she went to the World-honored One, and informed him of this matter. The Buddha said: “Summon that bhikkhunī.” When she came, the Buddha asked her: “Did you really do this?” She answered: “I really did this.” The Buddha said: “Why did you not take your determined robes with you?

Preliminary Ruling

From now on, it’s no longer allowed not to take your determined robes with you.”

Second Origin Story

At another time, there were bhikkhunīs from the Sakyan and Mallan clans who originally came from wealthy families. Having gone forth, their saṅghāṭīs were too heavy, they couldn’t bear it, and they suffered much. … The Buddha said: “From now on, it’s allowed if one is sick.” The Buddha told Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī: “Convene all the bhikkhunīs living in the vicinity of Sāvatthī. … Those who have already heard it should listen again:

Final Ruling

If a bhikkhunī who isn’t sick doesn’t take her determined robes with her, it’s a pācittiya.”

Explanation

“A bhikkhunī” is as explained above. “Determined robes” means saṅghāṭī, uttarāsaṅga, antaravāsaka, saṅkacchika, and rains bathing robe. “Sick” means that the World-honored One said that she’s without offense. When not taking it with her, it’s a pācittiya. “Pācittiya” is as explained above. If a bhikkhunī who isn’t sick doesn’t keep her determined robes with her, it’s a pācittiya. If she pays respect at a stupa, does walking meditation, or does sitting meditation within the territory during daytime, there’s no offense. This is what the World-honored One said.

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