Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Pc 132Giving Robes

Sutta on Giving Robes (Cīvaradāna)

Background

The Sutta on Giving Robes (Cīvaradāna) is found in the Vinaya Pitaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, specifically in the Patimokkha Samvara, the rules of training. The Vinaya Piṭaka is the collection of regulations concerning discipline in the monastic community, established by the Buddha and his disciples to maintain harmony and purity in practice.

In the context of using robes, the Buddha noticed certain problems arising when bhikkhus received robe gifts from laypeople without following specific principles. This could lead to categories of violation connected with ambition, comparison, accumulation, or infringement on the rights of other bhikkhus. Therefore, the Cīvaradāna Sutta was established to guide bhikkhus in the proper way to receive, use, and care for robes according to the Patimokkha.

Main Content

The Sutta on Giving Robes revolves around the basic principle that robes are one of the four requisites (cattāro paccaya) supporting the practice of a bhikkhu: robes, food, lodging, and medicine. However, receiving and using robes must follow strict ethical rules.

According to the principle of the Vinaya, when a layperson wishes to give a robe to a bhikkhu, the process must be carried out formally. The bhikkhu may not take the initiative to mention the quality, color, or type of cloth desired. Bhikkhus may receive robes without bargaining or making special requests.

Furthermore, when many bhikkhus are present in a community, donated robes must be distributed fairly through the arrangement of the Sangha. If a bhikkhu receives too many robes without a valid reason, such as real necessity or a special regulation in the Vinaya, this may violate the Patimokkha. The sutta also makes clear that robes should be used only for practical purposes, protecting the body, not for display, comparison, or satisfying greed.