Xct Mu Kd 7Robes

Cīvara Sutta (Discourse on Robes)

Background

The Cīvara discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Pāli Canon, specifically the Mahāvagga section of the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga. These are legal regulations concerning clothing (cīvara) for bhikkhus and bhikkhunis. These rules were gradually established by the Buddha through specific events in the early monastic community, in order to protect purity, order, and moral example within the Sangha.

In the context of ancient India, clothing was a symbol of social and religious status. Early Buddhism did not absolutely forbid adornment or the selection of cloth, but focused on the spirit of simplicity, non-greed, and suitability to the nature of monastic practice. The Pāli word “cīvara” has a broader meaning than “clothing”; it includes the upper robe (uttarāsaṅga), the lower robe (antaravāsaka), the outer robe (saṅghāti), and related cloths.

Main Content

The regulations concerning cīvara focus mainly on the following aspects:

Material and color: The robes of bhikkhus should be made from recycled or simple cloth, not rare or luxurious fabric. The colors should be neutral or dark tones, not bright colors that draw attention. This reflects the principle of not stimulating sensual desires and maintaining the distinction between monastics and laypeople.

Number and use: Bhikkhus are usually permitted to possess three basic robes, serving activities of study, practice, labor, and going for alms. In addition, bhikkhunis have different regulations intended to protect purity (brahmacariya) and avoid public misunderstanding.

Method of making: The discourse details how monastics should make, repair, and share robes. When a bhikkhu receives donated cloth, there are specific rules concerning whether it has become “ours” or not, and how to use it properly without violating principles of ownership.