San Sarv Bu Pm Finot Np 27Keeping Robes while Staying in Risky Regions
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sāsaṅka
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THE DISCOURSE ON KEEPING ROBES WHEN STAYING IN DANGEROUS REGIONS
Background
This discourse originates in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, in the Pāṭimokkha section, the basic ethical code for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not merely administrative regulation but an expression of the Dharma in monastic life, protecting the purity of the Sangha and establishing a firm ethical foundation.
The story behind this discourse arose from specific situations the Buddha encountered when setting forth rules. According to tradition, when bhikkhus had to stay in remote or dangerous regions, where there were wild animals, bandits, or other perils, wearing the bhikkhu’s robes (kasāva), carefully sewn yellow robes, became a disadvantage. Such clothing easily attracted attention and increased the risk of attack or robbery. This discourse therefore provides flexible regulations on preserving and carrying robes in such circumstances.
Main Content
According to the principle set forth in this part of the Vinaya Piṭaka, a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī is permitted to adjust the manner of carrying robes when staying in lands with poor safety conditions. Instead of wearing the full formal robe, the practitioner may fold the robe, carry it on the head, or cover it in another way to avoid being recognized or becoming a target. This is not a violation of the rule, but an allowance appropriate to the context.
However, the important point is that the robes must still be carefully preserved. The practitioner must not throw away or completely abandon the bhikkhu’s robes, because the robe is a symbol of confession, aspiration, and one’s own way. It is regarded as an inseparable part of the three robes (tricīvara): the lower robe, the upper robe, and the outer cloak.
The discourse emphasizes that this flexibility applies only in genuinely dangerous conditions and is temporary. When returning to a safe region, the practitioner must again observe the full rule.
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