San Sarv Bu Pm Tf 11 Np 25Taking Back Robe-Cloth

Cīvaraacchindana Sutta: Taking Back Basic Robe-Cloth

Background

Cīvaraacchindana (cīvara = basic robe; acchindana = taking back, cutting off) is a rule in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, belonging to the Pātimokkha, the noble code of rules that monks must observe. This teaching is set within the context of life in the early Buddhist monasteries, when the Buddha was still living.

The cīvara, the monastic’s basic robe, is not only an item of daily use but also bears profound spiritual meaning. It is a symbol of 出家 (renunciation) and of the commitment to practice. Therefore, the rules concerning the basic robe reflect principles of purity, non-greed, and respect within the Sangha community.

This teaching was recorded to address a specific situation that occurred at Sāvatthī, when a monk received basic robe-cloth from a physician and later wanted to take it back for personal reasons. This event led the Buddha to establish clear principles regarding this matter.

Main Content

Although the specific content of this teaching has not yet been fully translated according to the descriptive information provided, based on the context and the Vinaya tradition, the rule on “taking back basic robe-cloth” states that after a monastic has received basic robe-cloth from another person, whether as an offering or through exchange, that person may not arbitrarily take it back once the robe has been formally given for the purpose of practice.

The purpose of this rule is:

First, to protect the purity of giving. When a physician or any lay devotee gives a robe to a monastic, it is an aspiration of generosity and relinquishment. If an individual takes it back, this reflects a lack of settled intention and may cause the donor to feel a loss of faith.

Second, to teach monastics compassion and letting go. The basic robe is a material possession, and clinging tightly to it, even after it has been given away, is a sign of attachment and greed (lobha).