Lzh Dg Bi Pm Pc 113Serving Householders
Pāli / Sanskrit:Gihiveyyāvacca
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The Gihiveyyāvacca Rule (The Conduct of Serving Householders)
Background
The Gihiveyyāvacca rule belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, especially the Pātimokkha of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. This rule was recorded in the context of bhikkhus having contact with and serving laypeople (Upasakas, Upasikas) in daily life.
At that time, the Buddha Śākyamuni established subtle Vinaya rules in order to maintain discipline within the Sangha, while also clearly orienting the relationship between the noble community and laypeople. The Gihiveyyāvacca rule is one of the important regulations governing how bhikkhus behave when serving or receiving support from householders. It is part of the smaller rules (Khuddaka Sikkhāpada) in the Vinaya, but it carries profound ethical and disciplinary meaning.
Main Content
The Gihiveyyāvacca rule sets forth standards of conduct that bhikkhus must observe when they have relations with laypeople. Specifically, this rule emphasizes that bhikkhus should not engage in inappropriate actions or speech that could negatively affect the faith and respect of laypeople toward the Sangha.
The main content revolves around prohibited behaviors such as: not discussing private matters with laypeople in ways that could cause misunderstanding; not directing laypeople in matters beyond their capacity; not exploiting the trust of laypeople for personal benefit or lowering one’s own integrity. These regulations are not unreasonable prohibitions, but principles meant to protect the integrity of the Dharma and the Sangha.
The rule also teaches that bhikkhus should conduct themselves in a friendly, sincere, and upright manner when interacting with laypeople. Laypeople will honor and trust the Sangha through these concrete actions.
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