Xct Mu Bi Pc 52Hiding Robes

Discourse on Hiding Robes

(Cīvaraapanidhāna - Vinaya Piṭaka)

Background

In the Theravāda tradition, the Vinaya Piṭaka is the collection of rules of life and discipline related to the Sangha. The Discourse on Hiding Robes belongs to the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha section, which prescribes the rules female monastics must observe in order to maintain pure moral conduct.

The background of this discourse concerns the management of Sangha property, especially necessary items such as robes. In the renunciant life, bhikkhunīs are provided with basic requisites to support practice, but these requisites must be used properly and must not be hidden without legitimate reason. This rule was laid down to prevent the concealment or hoarding of robes, one of the essential requisites of a renunciant.

Main Content

The Discourse on Hiding Robes forbids bhikkhunīs from hiding, storing away, or concealing their own robes or the robes of others. This act is considered a violation of the rule, leading to fault and affecting the internal discipline of the Sangha.

The basic principle is transparency and respect for the shared ownership of the Sangha community. Robes are not only personal items, but also symbols of sincerity in practice. When a bhikkhunī hides robes, this reflects doubt, greed, or fear, states of mind opposed to mindfulness and collectedness.

This rule also includes specific cases: hiding robes to avoid lending them to others, storing them out of fear of shortage, or concealing them from those managing Sangha property. Each case is considered according to the degree of mental intention and purpose of the act.

Practical Meaning

The deeper meaning of this rule goes beyond material management. It reflects the Buddhist principle of renunciation and non-hoarding. Hiding robes is an expression of greed, attachment to possessions, and lack of faith in the Sangha and in the protection of the people.