Lzh Mi Bi Pm Np 10Bribing Weavers

Mahāpesakāra Sutta (The Rule on Bribery)

Background

The Mahāpesakāra Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition and is recorded in the Pāli Canon. It is an item in the system of customary discipline, similar to a disciplinary rule, applied to bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. The title “Mahāpesakāra” means “great works” or “works causing great harm,” connected with bribery or scheming to obtain personal benefit.

The context in which this discourse appears concerns monastics using dishonest devices to obtain property, food, or other benefits from outsiders. Specifically, the discourse speaks of bhikkhus bribing weavers to gain improper advantages, which is contrary to the basic ethical premises of the monastic life.

Main Content

The Mahāpesakāra Sutta stipulates that if a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī applies pressure, entices, or bribes (pesakāra) others to perform work for their own benefit, such as asking weavers to do work outside the proper time or contrary to the rules, this is a serious violation.

The key point in the discourse is the difference between receiving what is given voluntarily and actively “buying off” or “coercing” others to provide services. Such conduct is regarded as a Pācittiya offense, training rules requiring confession of fault, or a Saṅghādisesa offense, requiring reconciliation by the Sangha, depending on the severity.

This disciplinary rule emphasizes the principle that monastics should not exploit their power or influence to harm ordinary people. Bribery or coercion not only damages personal morality, but also harms the reputation of the monastic community and destroys the trust of the world.

Practical Meaning

The Mahāpesakāra Sutta teaches us that self-mastery and integrity are the foundation of the renunciant life.