Lzh Mi Bi Pm Np 16Bartering

Kayavikkaya Sutta (The Rule on Bartering Goods)

Background

Kayavikkaya (kaya = goods; vikkaya = exchange, trade) is a regulation in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, recorded in the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha or Bhikkhu Pātimokkha, specifically in the Nissaggiya Pācittiya section, offenses requiring forfeiture and confession.

The context in which this regulation arose reflects practical situations in the community of monks and nuns after Buddhism had developed. Monastics needed to buy, sell, or exchange daily requisites such as robes, bowls, and clothing. However, participation in commerce itself could lead to deviations into craving, attachment to exploitation, and damage to the virtue of renunciants.

The Blessed Buddha established specific rules to protect the spiritual independence and purity of the Sangha, while preserving the trust of the lay community.

Main Content

According to the traditional Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka, the Kayavikkaya regulation prohibits bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs from engaging in forms of direct exchange or trade in goods for profit. Specifically, a monastic is not permitted to buy an item and sell it again at a higher price for gain, or to exchange goods with the purpose of personal profit.

When a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī violates this rule, that is, engages in commercial exchange of goods with the intention of making profit, they commit a Nissaggiya Pācittiya offense. This offense requires forfeiture of the item exchanged or the profit from the trade, and confession of the wrongdoing before the Sangha, after which one becomes fit for expiation.

However, transactions necessary to sustain monastic life, such as exchanging a damaged item for a new one, or receiving a gift and using it directly without intent to profit, are not regarded as violations. This regulation clearly emphasizes intention (cetanā) as the determining factor.