Lzh Mi Bu Pm Pc 19Applying Materials to a Large Dwelling
Pāli / Sanskrit:Mahallakavihāra
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The Sutta on Applying Materials to a Large Monastery
Mahallakavihāra — Vinaya Pitaka
Background
The Vinaya Piṭaka is the collection of texts regulating the communal life of the Sangha in Theravāda Buddhism. The Mahallakavihāra Sutta belongs to the Pātimokkha, the basic rules, and the Parivāra, the supplementary section, where practical matters arising from the construction and maintenance of monasteries are recorded in detail.
According to the recorded tradition, issues concerning building materials for a large monastery (mahallaka vihāra) were addressed by the Buddha in order to resolve disputes in the Sangha. As the Sangha developed and monasteries were increasingly built in more elaborate fashion, questions arose about the appropriate degree of materials, the use of resources, and the ethical principles involved.
This sutta reflects the stage at which Buddhism had become a long-lasting social institution, needing to manage collective property, construct buildings, and maintain ethical standards in that process.
Main Content
Mahallakavihāra deals with specific regulations concerning the use of materials when building and repairing a large monastery. The focus is on balancing practical needs with the principle of non-wastefulness and respect for the property of the Sangha.
According to the regulations in the Vinaya Pitaka, when the Sangha decides to build or expand a monastery, certain standards concerning the quality of materials must be observed. This is not to satisfy boundless comfort, but to ensure that the structure is durable, not wasteful, and able to serve the purpose of Dharma practice over the long term.
The sutta records that when choosing materials, bhikkhus must consider factors such as whether the material is suitable for the local climate, whether it can withstand weather conditions, and whether the choice accords with the Sangha's principle of non-wastefulness. Disputes arise when different regions have different needs: one region needs a strong roof to withstand rain, while another needs thick walls to withstand heat.
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