Lzh Mu Bi Vb Pc 52Hiding Robes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Cīvaraapanidhāna
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THE DISCOURSE ON HIDING ROBES
Exposition of the Disciplinary Section
Background
This rule appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka, in the Pātimokkha Saṃvara section, within the collection of regulations concerning the clothing of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. The background arises from specific events when the Buddha and the Sangha were living in various regions of ancient India. In the course of teaching the Dharma and living in community, bhikkhus sometimes concealed their robes (cīvara), the dyed saffron robes of one who has gone forth, for improper reasons. This conduct may have been to avoid recognition, or to participate in activities unsuitable to the status of a bhikkhu.
The Buddha, seeing that this phenomenon affected the purity of the Sangha and the respect of the supporting lay community (upāsaka), established the rule prohibiting the hiding of monastic robes. This has profound meaning: the robe is not an ornament or a symbol of fame, but the sign of a vow to live independently and purely according to the Dharma.
Main Content
The Cīvaraapanidhāna rule states that a bhikkhu may not intentionally conceal or hide his monastic robe. This includes not wrapping the robe inside other cloth, not hiding it in a bag, and not wearing ordinary clothing over it in order to cover the saffron robe. This act is considered a Pācittiya offense, a fault requiring confession and repentance.
The reasons for the prohibition are many. First, the robe is the direct symbol of the renunciant status; it allows the community to recognize those who have gone forth from home into the Dharma. Second, hiding the robe raises suspicion that the bhikkhu is trying to conceal his identity, suggesting an impure mind or an action with bad intention. Third, openness about monastic status creates an ethical bond with donors and the community, helping to maintain trust and respect.
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