San Lo Bi Vb Np 15Cīvarasannicaya
Pāli / Sanskrit:Cīvarasannicaya
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Exposition of the Cīvarasannicaya Sutta
Regulations Concerning the Accumulation of Robes
Background
Cīvarasannicaya is a section of the Pātimokkha, the basic code, within the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Nissaggiya Pācittiya section, offenses requiring forfeiture and confession. This sutta was composed to regulate situations concerning how monks and nuns keep, use, and share robes within the community of practice.
The background of the sutta arose during the Buddha’s lifetime, when disciples had not yet fully practiced according to the principle of minimal dependence (nissaya) in possessing property. Some bhikkhunīs attempted to accumulate robes beyond what was necessary or intentionally gathered them for later use, contrary to the spirit of renunciation in the religious life. Therefore, the Buddha established specific rules to direct the management of robes in a righteous way.
Main Content
Cīvarasannicaya lays down that monks and nuns are not permitted to gather or store robes beyond the number needed for daily requirements. The moments considered appropriate for using robes are those of genuine need: when the weather is cold, when one is weakened, or when old robes have deteriorated.
If a monk or nun intentionally accumulates new robes without a valid reason, or receives robes from another with the intention of storing them, that person violates Nissaggiya Pācittiya. This offense requires the relinquishing of the offending robe and confession before the community, expressing sincere remorse.
The sutta also discusses the distinction between lawful cases, such as keeping robes during the rainy season when they cannot be washed, or preparing robes for emergencies. Such cases are not considered offenses.
Practical Meaning
The regulation concerning robes in Cīvarasannicaya reflects a basic principle of Buddhism: living simply, minimally, and without greed. Robes are only one of the four basic requisites (caturapaccaya) that a monastic is permitted to possess: robes, food, lodging, and medicine.
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