Mi Kd 5Robes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Cīvara Khandhaka
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EXPLANATION OF THE CĪVARA KHANDHAKA (CHAPTER ON ROBES)
Background
The Cīvara Khandhaka (Chapter on Robes) is an important section of the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Early tradition, the Pali Canon. It is not a doctrinal sutra, but a set of rules for the path reserved for the Sangha, established by Buddha Śākyamuni to regulate the use and care of monastic robes.
The historical background of this chapter comes from the early period of Buddhism, when monastics needed specific guidance concerning the attire of the path. Robes are not simply clothing that covers the body, but a symbol of going forth, humility, and renunciation of material desire. The rules on robes reflect the Buddha's comprehensive educational philosophy of practice, giving attention both to basic material needs and to noble spiritual guidance.
Main Content
The Cīvara Khandhaka sets out detailed regulations concerning the three basic robes that a monastic must have: the inner robe (antara-vāsaka), the upper robe (uttarāsaṅga), and the outer robe (saṅghāṭi). Each type of robe has specific standards for size, fabric, and use.
This chapter also gives guidance on preserving and caring for robes. Monastics need to maintain their robes properly and must not waste or treat them lightly. In addition, the Cīvara Khandhaka addresses regulations on receiving robes from laypeople, the rites to be observed when receiving robes, and how to handle special cases such as robes that are ripped or damaged.
The sutra also prescribes the appointed times for making robes, specific periods in the year when monastics are permitted to receive new robes or replace old ones. This is intended to ensure fairness, avoid excessive differences among monastics, and nourish the spirit of equality in the Sangha.
Practical Meaning
The Cīvara Khandhaka is not merely a set of administrative regulations, but also carries profound meanings for practice.
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