Lzh Mu Bi Pm Np 16Bribing Weavers

MAHĀPESAKĀRA SUTRA (Female Disciple Offering Gifts)

Context

The Mahāpesakāra Sutra belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, especially in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, the rules for female bhikkhus. According to the Theravāda tradition, this sutra records an event concerning bhikkhunīs receiving gifts from people outside the community, specifically weavers (pesakāra).

The historical context of the sutra is the time when the Buddha Śākyamuni was still alive, when bhikkhunīs began to be permitted to go forth at the request of Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī, the Buddha’s aunt. During this period, female monastics needed to be carefully governed through clear rules concerning ethical conduct, especially in relation to laypeople.

The Mahāpesakāra Sutra arose from a specific case: bhikkhunīs received gifts, perhaps cloth, garments, or other items, from weavers without following the regulations of the Sangha. This was an offense against one of the important disciplinary rules, connected with maintaining the internal discipline of the Buddhist community.

Main Content

This sutra records the event in which the Buddha discovered and addressed the problem of bhikkhunīs giving gifts to one another through the intermediaries of weavers, in order to conceal the violation or avoid certain restrictions. This conduct was considered “mahāpesaka,” that is, a significant offense involving corruption or deceit.

The Buddha laid down a clear rule: bhikkhunīs were not to accept gifts in secretive ways or through intermediaries contrary to proper procedure. All gifts intended for bhikkhunīs had to be given openly, witnessed by the Sangha, and in accord with the spirit of Buddhist law.

The sutra makes clear that such actions not only violate the rule but also undermine public trust in the monastic community. Hidden conduct in receiving gifts reflects a lack of sincerity (asaddhā) and poor moral conduct.