Lzh Mg Bu Pm Np 24Taking Back Robe-Cloth

The Discourse on Taking Back Robe-Cloth (Cīvaraacchindana)

Background

The Vinaya Piṭaka is the collection of rules for practice and governance of the Sangha established by the Buddha. Within it, the matter of robe-cloth (cīvara) is no minor concern—it relates directly to the daily life of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs (monks and nuns), as well as to the ethics and discipline of the Sangha.

The Cīvaraacchindana addresses a specific situation: when and how a bhikkhu may reclaim a robe that another has taken or used without proper authorization. This is a detailed section of the Vinaya, recorded in order to clarify matters of ownership of property and fairness within the monastic community. This context arises from actual incidents in the early Sangha, when monastics were not yet clear on the rules, leading to disputes over material goods.

Main Content

The discourse stipulates that when a bhikkhu has lawful ownership of a piece of robe-cloth—whether allocated by the Sangha, given by a faithful donor, or obtained through one's own merit—if another takes it away or uses it without permission, that monastic may rightfully reclaim it.

However, reclaiming it is not an arbitrary act. It must conform to certain principles. First, the one making the claim must demonstrate that the robe genuinely belongs to him—a fact beyond doubt. Second, the manner of reclaiming must be respectful and in accordance with discipline; harsh words or transgressive conduct are not permitted. Third, if the dispute cannot be resolved in the ordinary way, it is to be brought before the Sangha for adjudication according to the Vinaya.

This section of the Vinaya also clarifies that reclaiming is not always possible. For instance, if the one in possession of the robe has used it over a long period for a justifiable reason, or if the robe was clearly given to that person as a permanent gift, then the right to reclaim it is limited.