Lzh Mi Bi Vb Pc 146Supporting Oneself With Worldly Arts
Pāli / Sanskrit:Supporting oneself with worldly arts
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EXPLANATORY SUTRA: SUPPORTING ONESELF THROUGH WORLDLY FINE ARTS
Background
This rule is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically the Pātimokkha, the fundamental code for bhikkhus. It is one of the Vinaya prohibitions concerning improper livelihood for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs in the Sangha. The sutra was recorded to maintain the purity of the Sangha and protect the practice of those who have gone forth.
The historical background for this rule is that, while the Buddha was still living, he saw that some bhikkhus, although they had gone forth, still supported themselves by practicing worldly skills such as painting, wood carving, or other forms of art in order to accumulate possessions and build reputation. This contradicted the spirit of renunciation: abandoning desires for material things and fame.
Main Content
The sutra forbids bhikkhus from supporting themselves by practicing worldly arts and technologies. This includes using talents such as painting, carving, weaving, or any fine-art technique to earn a living or accumulate personal property.
The purpose of the rule is not to prohibit creative or intellectual activities in a context of practice. Rather, it is intended to stop the motive of making a livelihood through these activities, that is, when the aim is to produce income, fame, or affection from others. The rule encourages bhikkhus to rely on the three proper modes of livelihood: alms-seeking as right livelihood, using what is offered, or living dependent on the Sangha community.
If a bhikkhu is found to support himself through these fine arts, he must follow the penances (pratisanti) according to the Vinaya, from acts of confession to heavier penalties depending on the degree of violation.
Practical Meaning
This rule carries a deep meaning concerning the practice of separation from worldly desires.
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