Lzh Mi Bi Pm Pc 184Concealing a Gift of Fine Robes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Concealing a gift of fine robes
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
Scripture Commentary: Concealing a Gift of Fine Robes
Background
This scripture belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, within the Pātimokkha (the monastic code of rules), specifically among the regulations concerning Pācittiya offenses—transgressions of a lesser gravity that nonetheless require sincere confession and repentance. Vinaya scriptures of this kind arose from concrete events within the monastic community during the time of the Buddha; whenever a matter of discipline or improper conduct arose, the Blessed One would issue teachings to correct it.
The matter of "concealing a gift of fine robes" originated in a practical situation: certain monastics had received precious gifts—sets of robes belonging to persons of high standing or noble rank—yet deliberately concealed this fact from their fellow practitioners, or from their preceptors, in order to avoid questions, to forestall disputes over personal possessions, or to appear as though they placed no importance on material things. The underlying motivation could stem from greed, conceit, or a desire to hide disparities in one's circumstances. Such conduct runs contrary to the principles of transparency and honesty within the Sangha.
Principal Content
This rule prohibits monastics from concealing the receipt of a gift of fine robes. "Fine robes" (santhata, or robes regarded as precious) are not the ordinary robes worn by monastics. Should any monastic receive such a gift and deliberately refrain from disclosing it—neither informing fellow practitioners nor following the procedures for the management of communal property (where the community has established such procedures)—that monastic commits a Pācittiya offense.
This offense is established only when three conditions are simultaneously present: the monastic has received fine robes, knows that they are fine, and deliberately conceals this fact. The act of "concealing" does not necessarily mean physically hiding the object; rather, it consists in not openly acknowledging the truth—not declaring it, not reporting it to those who are properly concerned.
🌏 The Buddhist canon is vast — some sūtras (such as comparative Vinaya across schools, or untranslated Tibetan-canon texts) have to this day NEVER been translated into Vietnamese or English by anyone, scholars included. Rather than leave it blank, Inti AI offers a FAITHFUL summary grounded in the tradition — from the sūtra's title, origin and essence — so you can still reach this rare part of the treasury. Whenever an original translation exists, the app shows the original first.
Translations belong to the translator/source credited above. The bilingual compilation, presentation, and AI translations compiled by Inti are © Inti Foundation. Please attribute when quoting; do not bulk-copy or use commercially without permission.