Lzh Mu Bu Vb Pc 67Hiding Robes

Discourse on Hiding Robes — Cīvaraapanidhāna

Background

The Discourse on Hiding Robes (Cīvaraapanidhāna) belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhadharma tradition and is one of the rules concerning the clothing of bhikkhus in the Sangha. This context arose when disciples of the Buddha committed violations related to the use and concealment of robes.

In the Buddha’s time, bhikkhus followed detailed regulations concerning clothing. Robes were not merely ordinary daily requisites, but also carried profound ethical meaning, expressing humility and renunciation of worldly splendor on the path of practice. When unusual incidents occurred, the Blessed Buddha established specific rules to guide bhikkhus in correct conduct.

This discourse is recorded in the Pātimokkha, the collection of basic rules that every bhikkhu must observe. It reflects careful management of the Sangha and the maintenance of a pure spirit of practice.

Main Content

The rule concerning hiding robes (cīvaraapanidhāna) relates to a situation in which a bhikkhu exposes or intentionally conceals his robe in inappropriate circumstances or with an unwholesome intention. Specifically, the issue arises when there is deviousness in the use of clothing, such as:

A bhikkhu intentionally conceals his robe to avoid being recognized or to enter places inappropriate to the status of a monastic. Or conversely, he intentionally displays his robe to attract attention, seek personal benefit, or create an impression.

The Blessed Buddha established the principle that bhikkhus must wear robes appropriately, openly, and lawfully, according to the rules prescribed by the Sangha. Robes must be worn with dignity, reflecting the nature of moral discipline and monastic training.

This rule is classified among the lighter offenses (Pācittiya, faults requiring confession), because it concerns conduct with a misguided intention rather than the commission of heavier offenses.