Lzh Dg Bu Pm 2 Pc 23Teaching Nuns for Profit
Pāli / Sanskrit:Āmisa
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SUTTA ON TEACHING BHIKKHUNIS FOR PROFIT
Context
This sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, the collection of rules governing the communal life of the Sangha. The term “āmisa,” material gain, refers to the tangible benefits one seeks from religious activities. The sutta speaks of a situation in which bhikkhunis, nuns, teach the Dharma or guide practice not for the genuine purpose of instruction, but in order to gain profit, whether material or reputational.
The historical background shows that the Buddha repeatedly warned his disciples about impure motives in religious practice and the transmission of the Dharma. This teaching protects the purity of the Sangha, especially in matters of finances and reputation, two of the greatest obstacles on the path of practice.
Main Content
This rule forbids bhikkhunis from teaching female students, such as sāmaṇerīs or upāsikās, for the sake of gain. Specifically, if a nun teaches scriptures, meditation, or wholesome practices with the intention of receiving portions of food, robes, lodging, or other material benefits from those students, that is a violation of the rule.
In a more serious case, if the nun actively seeks to have the student or the student’s family provide gain for her by insisting on teaching or refusing to teach, this action violates the Pāṭimokkha, the basic code of discipline.
The core principle is: “I teach the Dharma not for gain, but for the benefit of the noble Dharma and the awakening of beings.” Pure motivation (ariyā-adhicitte) is the prerequisite for every religious action.
The sutta also contains a deep understanding: teaching Dharma for profit shows a selfish mind, and selfishness means that the mind itself has not yet been purified according to the Dhamma.
Practical Meaning
In the modern context of practice, this sutta reminds us to be clear in every act of teaching. When we teach the Buddha-Dharma, whether through classes, writing, or personal guidance, we should ask: “What is my motive?”
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