Lzh Dg Bu Pm 2 Np 25Taking Back Robe-Cloth
Pāli / Sanskrit:Cīvaraacchindana
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The Reclaim Robe-Cloth Discourse (Cīvaraacchindana)
Background
This discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, the Pātimokkha section, in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. Cīvaraacchindana is one of the rules governing communal and personal property of bhikkhus, the monastics who are heirs of the Buddha’s path.
The historical background of the discourse relates to an event in the earliest monastic community. A bhikkhu lent his robe (cīvara) to another bhikkhu to use, but afterward the owner wished to take it back. This led to a dispute over property and how to handle the matter fairly. After learning of the situation, the Buddha Gotama gave guidance to regulate this conduct, in order to maintain harmony and discipline in the Saṅgha.
The robe is not only material property but also bears deep sacred meaning. It is the symbol of going forth, of abandoning worldly possessions in order to pursue the path to nirvana. Therefore, rules concerning how robes are used, cared for, and shared reflect the core values of the Buddha Dharma: renunciation of greed, personal advantage, and selfishness.
Main Content
The Cīvaraacchindana discourse deals with the situation in which a bhikkhu has lent a robe and wishes to take it back, or when there is a dispute over the right of use. The Vinaya stipulates that if the borrower wishes to keep the robe for legitimate reasons, such as because his original robe is damaged, lost, or unsuitable, then the approach must be carried out through reconciliation within the Saṅgha, not by theft or contention.
The basic principle in this discourse is this: the personal property of each bhikkhu must be respected. However, if there is a dispute, the monastic community should intervene to find a fair solution. The Buddha did not permit bhikkhus to arbitrarily take back another’s property without notice, negotiation, or permission from the Saṅgha.
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