Lzh Dg Bu Pm 2 Pc 58Hiding Robes

THE SUTTA ON HIDING ROBES (Cīvaraapanidhāna)

Background

The Sutta on Hiding Robes is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically in the Pātimokkha — the collection of training rules for bhikkhus. This is an indispensable part of the practice life of renunciants, because robes are among the most necessary requisites: clothing, food, lodging, and medicine.

The cause for the arising of this sutta came from specific events at Sāvatthī. The Buddha observed bhikkhus storing robes beyond their actual need, or hiding them to avoid sharing with other companions in the path. This behavior contradicted the spirit of the Sangha, where everything is regarded as communal property serving the Dharma and practice. The Buddha therefore established rules concerning how robes should be handled, kept, and used mindfully and fairly.

Main Content

The Sutta on Hiding Robes prescribes that a bhikkhu must not conceal or secretly accumulate robes for private purposes or in separation from the Sangha. The basic principle is that robes are provided according to actual need, and their arrangement and distribution must be carried out transparently, under the supervision of the community of bhikkhus.

This rule includes several important points. First, each bhikkhu should keep only the number of robes necessary for practice and life in the monastery. Second, when there is a change of robes or the giving of robes to another bhikkhu, there must be clear notice to the Sangha or to witnesses. Third, robes must not be used as a means to gather property or establish personal power within the community.

The deeper reason for this training rule is to maintain equality and harmony in the Sangha. If bhikkhus were allowed to secretly accumulate or possess too many robes, greed, envy, and discord would arise among members.