Lzh Mu Bi Vb Pc 142Giving Robes

The Sutta on Giving Robes — Explanation of Cīvaradāna

Background

The Cīvaradāna Sutta (Giving Robes) is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, in the Patimokkhasaṃvara section of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not a set of abstract teachings on doctrine, but concrete rules of practice established by the Buddha to protect the purity of the Sangha and to nurture the mind of each practitioner.

This sutta concerns regulations on the keeping, handling, and use of robes by bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. In the Buddha’s time, the Sangha did not possess long-term property; each monastic was permitted to own only the basic three-part robe. This is among the permitted requisites of one who has gone forth. These regulations on robe cloth reflect a basic principle: monastics go beyond craving for material things and actively train the mind through each simple daily action.

Main Content

The Cīvaradāna Sutta revolves around specific situations in which monastics must handle matters related to robes. According to the Pāli tradition, these regulations often concern:

First, receiving robes from donors (dāyaka). When a layperson wishes to provide robes for the Sangha, certain principles must be followed in order to avoid creating relationships of craving or unwholesome states in the mind. A practitioner must receive with compassion, without causing difficulty for the layperson, but also without showing delight or attachment.

Second, the manner of storing robes. Bhikkhus are not permitted to leave their robes in unsafe places or allow others to use them casually. This protects the independence and discipline of each monastic, while also avoiding disputes over ownership in the Sangha.

Third, offenses (āpatti) that may arise from improper handling of robes.