Xct Mu Bu Pm Pc 24Giving Robes

THE ROBE-GIVING RULE (CĪVARADĀNA)

Background

The Robe-Giving rule (Cīvaradāna) belongs to the Pācittiya section of the Vinaya Piṭaka, the regulations concerning offenses that require confession. This text records the instructions of the Buddha Śākyamuni concerning the handling of robes (cīvara) in the Sangha, the community of renunciants.

In the Theravāda tradition, changing robes is a simple act but carries deep meaning. A monastic robe is not the private possession of an individual monk, but part of the property of the Sangha. Therefore, giving robes, receiving robes, and using robes must follow strict principles in order to avoid division, greed, or infringement upon the rights of other monastics.

The historical background shows that, during the Buddha’s lifetime, monastics sometimes had disputes over robes, essential requisites in the life of practice. To maintain harmony and discipline, the Buddha gave specific regulations on how to give robes, offer robes, and use robes lawfully.

Main Content

The Robe-Giving rule states that when one monk gives a robe to another monk, certain principles must be observed. First, the giving of a robe must be carried out respectfully, not carelessly or dismissively. Second, the giver must have a pure intention, not acting out of private attachment, possession, or a wish to entice another.

Common faults include giving a robe without informing the Sangha, giving a robe with the intention of keeping it for oneself later, or giving a robe in order to create preferential relationships within the Sangha. All such actions are regarded as Pācittiya offenses, faults requiring confession before fellow practitioners.

This rule also emphasizes that monks should not quarrel over robes. If a dispute arises, it must be resolved through the regulations in the Vinaya. A robe is a necessary item for covering the body, not something to be accumulated or used as an instrument of greed.