Lzh Sarv Bu Vb Pc 67Hiding Robes

DISCOURSE ON HIDING PROPERTY (Cīvaraapanidhāna)

Background

The Discourse on Hiding Property belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga. This discourse records regulations concerning how bhikkhunīs handle robes and the requisites of training.

In the historical context of Buddhism, when the Buddha was still alive, he established Sangha rules to maintain discipline in the path of practice. These rules are not merely restrictions, but also guidelines that help monastics avoid greed, jealousy, and unwholesome actions arising from habits of material possession. The Discourse on Hiding Property addresses a specific act: when a bhikkhunī intentionally hides another’s robe or training requisites for improper purposes.

Main Content

According to the traditional Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka, the act of hiding property (civaraapanidhana) is regarded as a Pācittiya, that is, an offense requiring admission and confession. Specifically, the discourse states that if a bhikkhunī deliberately hides another bhikkhunī’s robe with the intention of making it impossible or difficult for her to find it, that act violates the Sangha rule.

The Buddha established this rule because a mind that hides and conceals not only damages harmony within the Sangha body, but also nourishes seeds of defilement such as hatred (dosa), greed (lobha), and delusion (moha). When a bhikkhunī hides another’s robe or requisites, she is acting from discrimination, envy, or the desire to control. This conduct can lead to disputes and loss of trust in the monastic community.

This rule also reflects a precious principle of early Buddhism: within the Sangha body, all members have equal rights and deserve respect. The requisites of training, such as robes, are necessary tools for the life of practice, not personal possessions that someone may conceal at will.