Lzh Dg Bi Pm Np 18Offerings Intended for the Sangha
Pāli / Sanskrit:Pariṇata
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Scripture on Offerings Intended for the Sangha (Pariṇata)
Background
The Pariṇata scripture belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, located in the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha (the disciplinary rules for bhikkhunīs). This is one of the most detailed bodies of law in Theravāda Buddhism, regulating the ethical conduct of bhikkhunīs within the Sangha community.
The formative context of this scripture arose from events that occurred during the Buddha's lifetime. As Buddha Śākyamuni and his disciples traveled throughout India, they encountered many complex situations related to receiving offerings and gifts from lay devotees. Some bhikkhunīs did not clearly understand how to handle these offerings properly, leading to many confusions and conflicts in the Sangha.
Main Content
The Pariṇata scripture clearly regulates the principle of transfer (pariṇata) of offerings intended for the Sangha. "Pariṇata" means conversion, transfer, or distribution. In the context of Buddhist law, this scripture instructs that when there are offerings or property intended for the whole Sangha, they must be handled according to a specific procedure.
The basic principle is: if someone offers gifts to the Sangha, one or two bhikkhunīs may not arbitrarily distribute them as they wish. Instead, there must be agreement and fair, reasonable arrangement according to the Buddha's instruction and the decision of the community.
The scripture also details specific cases: offerings may be food, clothing, robes and requisites (the four requisites of a bhikkhunī), or other items that support practice. Each case has its own regulations for receiving, storing, and using them.
The scripture emphasizes that improper handling of offerings violates the discipline and harms the purity and trust of the Sangha. Therefore, every bhikkhunī must master these rules in order to protect the Sangha from suspicion and criticism by society.
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