Lzh Sarv Bu Pm 2 Pc 27Giving Robes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Cīvaradāna
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Sutta on Giving Robes (Cīvaradāna)
Background
The Sutta on Giving Robes is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, in the Pātimokkha section of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. This code was composed on the basis of the rules established by the Buddha Gotama for the Sangha, the community of monks, during his work of teaching and guiding beings.
The sutta concerns the giving of robes, one of the most basic acts of compassion in Buddhism. Robes are not only practical items that cover the bodies of monastics; they are also symbols of care and material support for those who have gone forth to pursue liberation. The regulation of how robes are given reflects a balance between compassionate action and the maintenance of discipline, preventing greed or disputes that might arise in the monastic community.
Main Content
In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, this sutta deals with specific rules related to how robes are given to members of the Sangha. The core of the rule is to prevent inappropriate actions or impure motives in the process of giving.
According to the Theravāda tradition, the giving of robes must follow the principle of community. No one has the right to appropriate or distribute robes according to personal preference; instead, all decisions must be made through the agreement of the Sangha. This ensures that robes are used reasonably, not wasted, and do not create jealousy or injustice within the community.
The sutta also mentions the conditions for receiving robes: the recipient must be an official member of the Sangha and not under discipline or expelled. Those who give must have pure intentions, without seeking any benefit or fame in return. This emphasizes that true compassion is an act of non-self, expecting nothing in exchange.
Practical Meaning
The deepest meaning of the Sutta on Giving Robes lies in understanding that compassion is the foundation of a sustainable monastic community. Robes symbolize comprehensive care, not only material but also spiritual.
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