San Sarv Bi Pm Tf 3215 Np 15Taking Back Robe-Cloth

Exposition of the Cīvaraacchindana Sutta

Background

The Cīvaraacchindana Sutta (taking back robe-cloth) is a rule in the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha of the Vinaya Pitaka in the Pāli Canon. The rules concerning robes in the Vinaya Pitaka are not trivial regulations, but deeply reflect the principles of purity and respect for the property of the Sangha within the renunciant community.

This sutta appears in the context of regulations about damaging or taking back another person’s robes. During the Buddha’s lifetime, bhikkhunīs received robes offered by the Sangha or by lay devotees. Taking back another person’s robe without permission is an act that violates ownership and contradicts the non-greedy character (anagiddha) of one gone forth.

These rules are recorded in the Nisaggiya Pācittiya section, the offenses requiring forfeiture and confession, expressing the Theravāda Buddhist view of discipline and communal management.

Main Content

The sutta lays down that if a bhikkhunī takes back the robe-cloth of another person, whether a bhikkhunī or someone else, without permission, this act is a violation. Specifically, “taking back” (acchindana) does not only include physically seizing it, but also actions such as tearing, cutting apart, or damaging the robe so that it can no longer be used normally.

Even when the motive is not greed or harm, but accident or negligence, damaging or taking back robe-cloth is still regarded as a violation of a disciplinary rule. This reflects the principle that actions causing harm to the shared property of the Sangha or to individual property must be strictly controlled.

When this is violated, the offender must make confession (pācittiya) before the Sangha or a group of bhikkhunīs, and must compensate, repair, or replace the damaged robe. This act of confession is not punishment, but a means to help the offender recognize the fault and restore purity of mind.