Lzh Mi Bi Pm Np 18Money

The Discourse on Money (Rūpiya)

Background

The Rūpiya Sutta (Money) is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, specifically in the Pātimokkha section within the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, the analysis for bhikkhunīs. This discourse is especially connected with rules on the use of money (rūpiya) by bhikkhunīs in the Buddhist Sangha.

The historical context of this discourse comes from events in which female devotees wished to support the Buddha and the bhikkhunīs by offering money. However, the Buddha established strict rules concerning the acceptance and use of money in order to protect the purity of the Sangha, prevent greed, and maintain the spirit of renunciation.

Main Content

The Rūpiya Sutta chiefly presents the principle prohibiting the acceptance of money or precious metals. According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, bhikkhunīs are not permitted to:

First, personally accept money directly from devotees. If someone wishes to offer money, the bhikkhunī must refuse or instruct that person to give it to the Sangha or to the appointed stewards.

Second, conceal or store up money. The purpose of this rule is to prevent greedy motivations, which are past karma leading to bondage in saṃsāra.

Third, violation of these rules leads to serious disciplinary measures, from recognition of fault (pabbajjaniya) to other measures depending on the degree of violation.

These rules are set forth not to forbid financial support, but to protect the Sangha from being infected by greed. Money, according to the Buddha-Dharma, is a symbol of desire and attachment to the world.

Practical Meaning

The Rūpiya Sutta teaches us a profound lesson about the deceptive nature of material wealth. In the Theravāda system of practice, renouncing money is not merely a physical act, but an expression of liberation from mental fetters.