Lzh Dg Bu Vb Sk 61Not Hide Valuables in Stupa

– DHARMAGUPTAKA VINAYA

– ŚAIKṢA-DHARMA

RULE 61

Once the Buddha was dwelling in the Anāthapiṇḍika Garden, the Jeta Grove, in the land of Śrāvastī. At that time, a group of six bhikkhus concealed valuables inside the Buddha's stupa.

The bhikkhus learned of this; among them were those of few desires, contentment, who practiced the dhūta qualities, delighted in the training of the precepts, and knew shame and remorse. They reproached the group of six bhikkhus, then went to where the Blessed One was, paid homage at his feet, and sat to one side. They then reported this matter in full to the Blessed One.

The Blessed One, on account of this matter, assembled the community of bhikkhus and rebuked the group of six bhikkhus … as above, up to the words: "From this day forward, I shall establish a rule for the bhikkhus comprising ten points of meaning," and up to the words: "so that the true Dharma may long endure."

Wishing to recite the precept, it should be recited thus:

One must not conceal valuables and wealth inside the Buddha's stupa — this is a śaikṣa-dharma.

The Blessed One thus established this precept for the bhikkhus. At that time there were bhikkhus who were uncertain; wishing to keep things secure, they nonetheless did not dare to store valuables inside the Buddha's stupa. The Buddha instructed:

"If it is for the purpose of safekeeping, there is no offense."

From this day forward the precept should be recited as follows:

One must not bury or conceal valuables inside the Buddha's stupa, except for the purpose of keeping them secure — this is a śaikṣa-dharma.

If a bhikkhu intentionally conceals valuables inside the Buddha's stupa, except when wishing to keep them secure, he commits a duṣkṛta that requires confession. Because it is done intentionally, he commits a duṣkṛta of improper conduct. If it is not done intentionally, he commits a duṣkṛta.

Bhikkhunīs, as well as novices — śrāmaṇeras and śrāmaṇerīs — commit a duṣkṛta. This is called an offense.

Non-offense: if one is afflicted with some illness, or in order to ensure safekeeping one stores valuables inside the Buddha's stupa, or if one is compelled by force, or in a situation of danger to one's life, or danger to one's chastity — there is no offense.

Those who do not commit an offense: one who offends for the first time before the precept has been established; one who is insane, mentally disturbed, or oppressed by extreme suffering and distress.

Vietnamese translation: Bhikkhu Thích Đỗng Minh and Thích Đức Thắng. DHARMAGUPTAKA VINAYA, PART ONE

Chinese translation: Tripiṭaka masters Buddhayaśas and Zhu Fonian.

Revised and annotated by: Bhikkhu Thích Nguyên Chứng

(Chinese translation, fascicles 1–21; Vietnamese translation, fascicles 1–2)

Buddhist Publication Committee, 2002