Lzh Mi Bi Pm Np 17Trading With Money

Explanation of the Rūpiyasaṁvohāra Sutta (Transactions with Money)

Background

The Rūpiyasaṁvohāra Sutta (Transactions with Money) belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of Theravāda Buddhism, specifically among the regulations concerning the actions and way of life of bhikkhus. It is part of the Vinaya Piṭaka, the collection of disciplinary injunctions laid down by the Buddha Śākyamuni to protect his renunciant disciples from ethical mistakes.

In the Buddha’s time, matters connected with money (rūpiya) and commercial transactions (saṁvohāra) caused much dispute and confusion in the bhikkhu community. Some monks attempted to engage in buying and selling in order to accumulate property, which contradicted the spirit of renunciation and compassion. Therefore, the Buddha gave clear guidelines to prevent this conduct, ensuring that bhikkhus focused on inner cultivation rather than material power.

Main Content

The Rūpiyasaṁvohāra Sutta prohibits bhikkhus from taking part in transactions using money or exchanging goods for the purpose of profit. Specifically, a bhikkhu should not:

Buy and sell goods for personal gain or the accumulation of private property. Use money in transactions for profit. Participate in commercial activities, even those that seem minor.

These regulations are not because Buddhism rejects money or regards it as absolutely taboo. Rather, they acknowledge that attachment to property, profit, and commerce is a great obstacle on the path to liberation. When a person goes forth, they have abandoned the worldly goal of accumulation; continuing to pursue profit weakens the resolve for practice.

The discourse also mentions legitimate exceptions: bhikkhus may receive necessary requisites for life, such as robes, medicine, and lodging, from lay friends without violation.