San Lo Bi Vb Pc 72Giving Robes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Cīvaradāna
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Cīvaradāna Sutta (Giving Robes)
Background
The Cīvaradāna is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically within the Pācittiya section (offenses requiring confession). These are detailed rules governing the conduct of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs, laid down by the Buddha to protect harmony within the Sangha and to instruct in the spirit of practice.
Cīvaradāna (giving robes) is a rule concerning the manner in which robes — the sacred garments of bhikkhus — are to be handled and given. The robe is not merely an article of daily use; it is also a symbol of renunciation of the worldly life and a mark of a life of practice in accordance with the Dhamma. For this reason, the giving or receiving of robes must follow clear principles in order to avoid acquisitiveness, private attachment, or actions that cause imbalance within the Sangha.
Main Content
In the spirit of the Pācittiya rules, the rule on Cīvaradāna instructs bhikkhus that they should not give their robes to others in an arbitrary manner or with the intention of cultivating a special personal relationship. Specifically, if a bhikkhu gives his robe to one who is not a bhikkhu without proper justification, or gives it with the conscious intention of forging deep personal attachment, such an act constitutes a Pācittiya offense — that is, an offense lighter than a Pārājika but one which still requires confession before the Sangha.
However, if a robe is given out of genuine necessity — for example, to assist another bhikkhu who lacks sufficient robes, or to support a newly ordained person — then such an act is praiseworthy. This principle reflects the balance between compassion (karuṇā) and clear stewardship of the Sangha's communal property. Robes are regarded as belonging to the Sangha and not as the exclusive personal possession of any individual; therefore, their handling must accord with proper rules.
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