BHIKKU POSSESSIONS

The bhikku must have, just as he is restricted to, eight essential possessions.  He has three robes, a begging bowl, usually of thin iron or tin with a brass cover, a cloth belt, a needle and thread, a straight-edged razor, and a water strainer, used to rescue any insects that might have fallen into his drinking and cooking water.  All of these required items must be replaced immediately if lost. 

He is likely to have a few other objects, such as a water flask or small kettle, an umbrella, sometimes called the crot, a sitting cloth, a washrag, a candle lamp, some medicines, toothbrushes, and even a small clock and penknife.  Two or three books will complete the list of his possessions. 

The most common book the bhikku carries is the Patimokka, which is a manual of discipline.  It lists two hundred offenses, the breaking of which requires him to confess to the community.  The Patimokka is traditionally in Pali, but the bhikku is allowed to have another copy in his own language if need be.  He will also carry some other book, the Dhammapada, teachings of the Buddha, being one of the most popular.