Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Np 22Swapping Robes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Cīvaraparivattana
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The Discourse on Exchanging Robes (Cīvaraparivattana)
Background
The Discourse on Exchanging Robes (Cīvaraparivattana) is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, the living code of the monastic community. In the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, the Vinaya Piṭaka is not merely administrative regulation, but an expression of the mind that practices the observance of moral discipline, helping monks and nuns live in harmony and purity. This discourse revolves around a matter that seems small but is in fact very important: how to exchange, borrow, or share robes among members of the monastery.
Robes (cīvara) in monastic life are not only garments covering the body, but also carry symbolic meaning of simplicity, renunciation, and dedication to practice. Regulating the use of robes reflects the principles of protecting common property, respecting ownership, and building trust in the monastic community.
Main Content
The Cīvaraparivattana rule stipulates the situations in which monks and nuns may exchange or borrow one another’s robes. The core of this rule is the requirement of the owner’s consent before anyone is permitted to use or change the use of a robe.
If a monk or nun wishes to use the robe of another monk or nun, the terms must be clear: whether it is a temporary loan, a permanent gift, or merely sharing in special circumstances. One must not act secretly or assume that everyone has the right to use another person’s property without asking permission.
The discourse also concerns specific situations: when a monk or nun leaves, or when there is a need to exchange robes because of damage or another reason. In such cases, there must be notification and prior agreement. If a dispute arises over ownership or the use of robes, the monastic community (Sangha) must be informed so that it can handle the matter fairly.
This rule also prevents actions such as taking another person’s robe and then unilaterally deciding to give it to someone else, or exchanging it without informing the original owner.
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