Lzh Mi Bi Vb Pc 86Cīvara-pārihārika

THE CĪVARA-PĀRIHĀRIKA SCRIPTURE

The Rule on Protective Robes

Background

Cīvara-pārihārika is a detailed customary rule in the Pāli Vinaya, located in the Pācittiya, the class of offenses requiring confession. This scripture was compiled to regulate the use of clothing (cīvara) by bhikkhus. In the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, a bhikkhu’s personal possessions are very limited, including three robes (uttarāsaṅga, antarvāsaka, sarīrādhārika) and a bedding article (senāsanaguṇa).

The term “pārihārika” means “protective robe” or “usable robe,” referring to a piece of cloth used for the purpose of protection against adverse conditions. This rule arose when bhikkhus did not properly observe the use or management of clothing requisites, causing disputes or abuses regarding ownership, thereby affecting the purity of the Sangha.

Main Content

Cīvara-pārihārika stipulates that a bhikkhu is not permitted to forget or leave clothing in public or unsafe places, causing the robe to be lost or taken by others. In addition, the scripture also regulates that a bhikkhu should not accumulate too many ordinary robes or reserve robes beyond the permitted standard.

Specifically, if a bhikkhu leaves clothing without protecting it carefully, so that it may be lost or misused by others, that person commits a pācittiya offense, a violation requiring confession before the Sangha or before accomplished bhikkhus. The scripture emphasizes carefulness (appamāda) and the responsibility of each bhikkhu toward property entrusted to him.

This rule is also related to the principle of lawful ownership. Bhikkhus may own only what has been properly allocated; they must not hoard, evade, or cause such requisites to disappear.

Practical Meaning

Cīvara-pārihārika is not only a rule for managing material things, but also a profound lesson in carefulness (appamāda) and personal responsibility.