Lzh Mg Bi Pm Pc 70Diverting Gains

The Sutta on the Transference of Merit (Pariṇāmana Sutta)

Background

The Sutta on the Transference of Merit is found within the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha section of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. These are the fundamental rules of discipline that bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs must observe. This sutta concerns the matter of ethical conduct in the use of material offerings donated by Buddhist lay followers.

The context arose from the fact that the Buddha and his disciples lived in dependence upon the offerings of lay Buddhist practitioners. The items offered to the Saṅgha were at times of considerable material value. The question that arose was: How should monastics properly use and dispose of these offerings in a manner consistent with the spirit of renunciant practice, and without violating the principles of humility befitting the Buddhist path?

Principal Content

Pariṇāmana, translated as "transference" or "directing toward," refers to the act of dedicating merit and the wholesome results of beneficial deeds toward continuous spiritual progress or toward a higher purpose. In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, this sutta centers on the principle that bhikkhus should not hoard or personally appropriate offerings.

The sutta teaches that material items offered to the Saṅgha must be "transferred" (pariṇāmana)—that is, the benefits derived from them are to be directed toward the common purpose of the Saṅgha community or devoted to higher sacred needs. Greed or personal self-interest must not be allowed to distort the spirit of renunciant practice. This principle reflects the communal ideal of life within the Saṅgha—a community in which material possessions are shared in service of the Dhamma and collective cultivation.

In particular, when a bhikkhu receives an item of value, he must reflect upon his intention and the manner of its use. If it is medicine, it is used for the healing of illness; if it is clothing, it is used for warmth according to need.