Xct Mu Bu Vb Np 25Taking Back Robe-Cloth
Pāli / Sanskrit:Cīvaraacchindana
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The Discourse on Taking Back Robe-Cloth (Cīvaraacchindana)
Background
This discourse is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, one of the most important divisions of the Vinaya in Theravāda Buddhism. The Vinaya Piṭaka consists of rules of life established by the Blessed Buddha for monks and nuns (bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs), in order to maintain discipline and harmony in the community of practice.
The background from which this discourse arose concerns disputes over property, specifically the robe (cīvara), one of the three essential requisites of a renunciant. The robe is not only clothing to cover the body, but also a symbol of the identity of going forth and of the way of life according to the Buddha-Dharma. When disputes arose concerning taking back a robe or infringing upon another person’s right to use a robe, the Blessed Buddha gave specific guidance for fair handling and for protecting the rights of members of the Sangha.
Main Content
The discourse prescribes the conditions and procedures for handling cases in which a bhikkhunī wants to take back robe-cloth from another person, or when a dispute arises over ownership and use of a robe. This reflects the principle of protecting communal property (saṅghika) and personal property (lābha-bhoga) in the monastic community.
According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, there are three kinds of robes: robes of bhikkhus, robes of bhikkhunīs, and robes owned communally by the Sangha. When a dispute arises, taking back a robe must be done according to the legal procedures of the Sangha, and one may not seize it arbitrarily or cause disturbance.
The discourse also emphasizes that infringing upon another person’s right to use property is an act that violates the good Dharma. A bhikkhunī may not arbitrarily take back another person’s robe without witness or approval from the Sangha, except in special cases allowed by the Blessed Buddha.
Practical Meaning
This discourse teaches us the importance of discipline, fairness, and respect for others’ property within the community of practice.
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