Xct Mu Bu Vb Pc 24Giving Robes

The Sutta on Giving Robes (Cīvaradāna)

Context

This is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, an important part of the monastic framework for monks and nuns established by Śākyamuni Buddha. Male and female donors in the earliest Buddhist faith community often considered the proper way to make offerings to newly ordained monks and nuns. During the Buddha’s lifetime, the basic need of those gone forth was to be assured of having a robe (cīvara) to cover the body, especially under the climate of India and the disciplinary rules of the noble community.

The Sutta on Giving Robes records the principles and methods for offering cloth robes to monks and nuns, as well as the disciplinary rules concerning the receiving, use, and management of this sacred property. This is not a sutta expounding doctrine, but a concrete regulation, reflecting the Buddha’s practical wisdom in establishing a stable, fair, and self-reliant religious organization.

Main Content

This sutta sets out provisions on how robes are to be offered to the community of monks and nuns. First, a cīvara robe is not simply personal property, but part of the ordinary human need to protect modesty and discipline. A monk or nun may receive a robe from a donor, but must follow reasonable rules concerning quantity and quality.

The monastic framework states that those gone forth should not solicit or actively demand silk robes, fine robes, or precious materials. Instead, they respect whatever faithful people voluntarily offer. However, if a monk or nun sees that their requesting moves the donor’s compassion or causes hardship for that person’s family, they must skillfully decline.

Monks and nuns are also instructed in how to manage robes wisely. Old robes should not be discarded or burned carelessly, but should be handled respectfully. They may be reused, cut into water filters, or repaired to extend their life.