Lzh Mi Bi Pm Np 11Taking Back Robe-Cloth
Pāli / Sanskrit:Cīvaraacchindana
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The Discourse on Taking Back Robe-Cloth (Cīvaraacchindana)
Background
The Discourse on Taking Back Robe-Cloth belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically the Pātimokkha section within the Nipāta. The Vinaya Piṭaka is the collection of rules for practice and discipline in the life of the Sangha, established by the Buddha Śākyamuni to protect the purity of the Sangha Jewel.
This discourse arose from specific circumstances in early monastic life. When bhikkhus or bhikkhunīs violated rules connected with common property, especially the robe, the most sacred symbol of the renunciant, the Buddha set forth guidelines for handling the matter and restoring harmony. The robe is not only clothing that protects the body, but also a sign of the state of practice and commitment to the Buddha-Dharma.
Main Content
The Cīvaraacchindana Sutta concerns the case of a member of the Sangha intentionally taking back, seizing, or cutting off another person’s robe, or acting in a way that harms a robe owned by the monastic community. This is not a small matter: in the ethical foundation of Buddhism, such conduct involves three basic violations: dishonesty, infringement upon common property, and lack of reverence for the Sangha Jewel.
According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, the offender must acknowledge the fault before the whole Sangha. If the robe has been damaged, it must be repaired or replaced with a new robe. Restoration is not only material but also spiritual: the offender must show true remorse (samvega) and commit not to repeat the offense.
The discourse also records exceptional cases: if a robe is taken away by someone else or destroyed because of unavoidable circumstances, the owner is not responsible for an offense. This reflects the Buddhist principle of intention (cetanā): only intentional actions create karma and consequences.
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