Lzh Mu Bi Vb Pc 144Monastery Robes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Āvasathacīvara
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The Sutta on Monastery Robes (Āvasathacīvara)
Background
The Sutta on Monastery Robes (Āvasathacīvara) is a regulation in the Vinaya Piṭaka belonging to the Paccaya Bhikkhu Vibhaṅga, the detailed disciplinary section related to the Pātimokkha. The background of this sutta is connected with the Buddha’s completion of the rules of practice for the Sangha, especially issues concerning the common property of the monastery and how such property is to be used.
According to the Theravāda tradition, the Vinaya Piṭaka was established by the Buddha not to restrict freedom, but to protect harmony, discipline, and the spirit of liberation within the Sangha. The regulations concerning the basic robes (cīvara) of the monastery express an important principle: common property must be managed fairly and transparently, and must serve the common good.
Main Content
The Sutta on Monastery Robes regulates the use of robes (cīvara) belonging to the monastery, sets of robes used in common or reserved to provide for bhikkhus in need. The highlighted point of the rule is the issue of ownership, right of use, and the conditions under which a bhikkhu is permitted to use monastery robes.
According to the Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka, if a bhikkhu for any reason keeps a robe belonging to the monastery beyond the prescribed time, usually five or ten days, or uses it for an improper purpose, this constitutes a Pācittiya offense, that is, a minor violation that still requires public repentance before the Sangha. This rule applies strictly to all bhikkhus, without exception based on status or years of seniority.
The more detailed regulation is this: if the monastery has a basic set of robes for common use, newly arrived bhikkhus may use them temporarily until they have their own robes. However, they are not permitted to carry them away or occupy the monastery robes permanently. The designation and distribution of robes must be decided by the Sangha or by the monastery steward who has been authorized.
Practical Meaning
The Sutta on Monastery Robes is not merely a rule for managing material things.
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