Xct Mu Bu Vb Pc 67Hiding Robes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Cīvaraapanidhāna
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The Discourse on Hiding Robes (Cīvaraapanidhāna)
Background
In the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, the rule concerning robes (cīvara) is an important part of monastic discipline. The Discourse on Hiding Robes appears in the Pācittiya section (Pātimokkha 67), a type of offense that is lighter but still requires confession and remedy.
The identity of a monastic or a woman gone forth begins with the robe (cīvara) — the garment symbolizing renunciation, the limitation of material needs, and clear awareness of the purpose of practice. Therefore, the way one treats the robe is not a trivial matter, but expresses one’s attitude toward the Dharma.
Main Content
This rule forbids monastics from intentionally hiding or concealing their own robes or the robes of others under improper pretexts. The act of “hiding a robe” (apanidhāna) is understood as an intention to deceive, evade responsibility, or conceal the truth.
According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, a monastic is not permitted to hide a robe in order to avoid sharing it or to protect it unfairly. Specifically, if a robe needs to be shared according to Sangha rules, such as when a newly ordained monastic is issued one, or when there is a request from Sangha authority, deliberately hiding it is a violation. This offense also includes hiding another person’s robe without permission, causing harm to that person or to the Sangha body.
This act is a violation because it reflects unwholesome states of mind: greed (lobha), deceit (musāvāda) — one of the basic actions to be abandoned — and lack of respect for the Sangha body as well as for the law of the Buddha.
Practical Meaning
This rule teaches us about transparency and straightforwardness in the community of practice. The robe, though material, is a sign of commitment to the Dharma; the way we treat it reflects the way we live with the Dharma.
For those who practice according to the Theravāda tradition, this rule is a profound reminder: one should not allow desire or fear to lead one into deceit.
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