Lzh Mi Bi Pm Np 12Offerings Intended for the Sangha

The Discourse on Determining Blessings (Pariṇata)

Background

This discourse is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the section of regulations for bhikkhunīs (Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha). It is not a Dharma discourse on profound theory, but a rule connected with actions beyond speech, specifically the way fellow practitioners chant blessings for donors.

The context occurred when the Buddha and his disciples received offerings from laypeople. The question arose: when the community of monks and nuns partakes in blessings (pariṇata, determination or dedication) intended for donors, is this an appropriate participation according to the Vinaya? This discourse regulates which cases are permitted and which are prohibited.

Main Content

According to the Theravāda tradition, when the community of bhikkhus or bhikkhunīs chants blessings to transfer merit to donors, this is regarded as a meaningful collective act. However, the discipline does not allow all members to take part indiscriminately.

The core rule is that only those who directly receive the chants (pariṇata), that is, those who are present and hear when the blessings are made, may “dedicate” that merit to the donor. Those who are absent, or who do not participate in the chanting session, are not permitted later to claim that they too have transferred merit, because doing so would be dishonest and would violate the collective principle.

This discourse also prevents a situation in which some monastics exploit blessings to raise their own reputation or seek gratitude from donors. The rule emphasizes that the Sangha, the community of monastics, acts as one unified body, not as separate individuals.

Practical Meaning

This discourse reflects an important principle in the Theravāda tradition: integrity and collective responsibility. When monastics participate in common activities such as chanting, they must truly be present, mindful, and ready to take responsibility for those shared actions.