Lzh Mu Bu Pm Pc 67Hiding Robes

The Sutta on Hiding Robes (Cīvaraapanidhāna)

Background

The Sutta on Hiding Robes belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition of the Buddha-Dharma, recorded among the rules of training for the community of monks and nuns. In the context of early Buddhism, the matter of how to use the robe (cīvara) was not only connected with the dignity of a humble life, but also carried deep spiritual meaning and communal discipline.

The robe is one of the three indispensable requisites of monks and bhikkhunīs, together with the alms bowl (patta) and lodging (senāsana). Therefore, the way one treats garments outside these three requisites, called “hiding robes” or concealing robes, became the subject of many rules in the Vinaya Piṭaka in order to protect the purity of the Sangha jewel.

Main Content

This discourse deals with cases in which monastics intentionally hide, conceal, or store clothing that is not the official robe, or use actions related to robes as a way of violating discipline. In particular, when a monastic uses a robe to conceal an improper action, such as hiding property, or uses devices to avoid the inspection of other venerable elders, this is conduct that violates the Pāṭimokkha, the most basic rules of the Vinaya.

The Vinaya Piṭaka clearly states that hiding a robe is not only a physical action but also involves intention (cetanā). If a monastic intentionally hides a robe for the purpose of concealing wrongdoing or making the management of the Sangha body difficult, that is a specific offense. These rules were established not to create hardship, but to preserve the purity and responsibility of each individual in the community.

Behind these rules is the principle that each monastic must live transparently, not conceal his actions, and always be ready to take responsibility for both material and spiritual matters. The robe is not merely clothing that protects the body, but also a symbol of commitment to living according to the Dharma.