Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Pc 134Group Robes

The Sutra on Group Robes (Gaṇacīvara)

Background

The Sutra on Group Robes belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, expressing the Buddha’s concern for communal life within the community of monks and nuns (Saṅgha). The Vinaya Piṭaka records the disciplinary regulations established by the Buddha in order to maintain order and harmony in the Sangha.

This text arose from a specific situation in the early history of the Sangha. As the Sangha developed and expanded, the matter of distributing robes (cīvara), one of the essential requisites of monks, became complex. Robes are not only practical articles for warmth and bodily covering, but also bear symbolic meaning concerning renunciation and commitment to the path of practice. The fair management of the Sangha’s common goods is an inseparable part of communal practice.

The regulation concerning “group robes” (gaṇacīvara) reflects a fundamental principle of Theravāda Buddhism: within the Sangha there is no personal ownership; all common property is used for the common benefit and for the development of the shared place of practice.

Main Content

Gaṇacīvara refers to robes belonging to the entire Sangha or to a group of bhikkhus, rather than to an individual. These robes are used in common, and their distribution and use must follow the fair and transparent principles prescribed in the Vinaya.

This text stipulates that when the Sangha or a group of bhikkhus receives group robes as an offering, the Dharma teachers must follow a specific procedure for fair distribution. One is not permitted to exploit position or authority in order to obtain more than one’s fair share. These regulations are meant to prevent disputes, resentment, and to protect unity within the Sangha.

In particular, this Vinaya text also determines who has the authority to decide how group robes are to be distributed, usually through an assembled Sangha or appointed representatives.