Xct Mu Bi Np 17Taking Back Robe-Cloth

The Rule on Taking Back Robe-Cloth (Cīvaraacchindana)

Background

Cīvaraacchindana is a pericope belonging to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda tradition, specifically within the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha. The Vinaya Piṭaka is the collection of rules governing the life of the monastic community, set forth by the Buddha to maintain order, harmony, and the purity of the Sangha.

The rule concerning robe-cloth (cīvara) is an important part of the regulations on the personal property of monastics. According to the early teaching, the robe is not merely clothing but also a symbol of renunciation and of the discipline of practice. Therefore, matters concerning this robe are carefully considered in the Dharma.

This pericope deals with a situation in which someone, whether a monastic or another person, attempts to take back robe-cloth from its lawful owner. The background arises from disputes or misunderstandings about ownership within the religious community.

Main Content

This rule concerns the legal and ethical principles governing property within the Sangha. According to the Theravāda Vinaya, when people pass away or abandon the holy life, their property is distributed according to specific regulations. Robe-cloth lawfully possessed by a bhikkhunī cannot be arbitrarily taken back.

The content of this pericope instructs that if someone tries to take back or dispute robe-cloth from its lawful owner, that act is regarded as a violation of Vinaya principles. This includes cases that may be based on a claim of prior ownership or other reasons.

Buddhist discipline states clearly that once property has been transferred according to proper procedure, or once it has been lawfully used within the monastic community, attempting to take it back or dispute it violates the Vinaya. Offenses related to such property are classified among the Sekhiya training rules or other categories of offense, depending on their seriousness.