Lzh Sarv Bu Pm Pc 26Giving Robes

The Discourse on Giving Robes (Cīvaradāna)

Background

The Discourse on Giving Robes lies in the Vinaya Piṭaka, a crucial part of the Pāli Canon in the Theravada Buddhist tradition. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not merely a collection of dry rules, but also records the specific situations in which the Buddha guided the communities of monks and nuns in establishing the discipline. The matter of giving robes, one of the most basic requisites for the Sangha, was regarded by the Buddha as an expression of kindness and sincerity by those practicing the bodhisattva path.

In the social context of ancient India, clothing did not merely serve a physical need, but was also an important element in the practice of female monastics. Appropriate clothing allowed monastics to concentrate on Dharma practice without being distracted by concerns about garments. Therefore, the Buddha established clear principles concerning how robes are received, given, and used within the monastic community.

Main Content

The Cīvaradāna Sutta revolves around a basic principle: giving robes to monastics must follow certain conditions in order to protect the mind of practice and avoid subtle forms of greed. The giving of robes is not an arbitrary act, but must be done with a pure intention.

The Buddha taught that one who gives robes should have as the first and primary intention the wish to help female monastics obtain the essentials needed to maintain the discipline of practice. One should not give with the intention of seeking gain or creating a self-serving relationship. When giving robes, the donor should not expect personal benefits from the monastics, but should simply wish to support Dharma practice.

At the same time, the text also states that female monastics who receive robes should remain receptive and should not actively demand or exploit the attention of laypeople in order to obtain gifts. If done with a mind of greed or self-interest, this is regarded as violating the spirit of the discipline.