Lzh Mu Bi Pm Pc 132Stingy With Families

Kulamaccharinī Scripture (Stinginess Toward Families)

Background

The Kulamaccharinī scripture belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, where various Pātimokkha rules for monks and nuns are recorded. The context in which this scripture appears concerns violations of mental attitude within the Sangha community, specifically the issue of “stinginess” (macchariya) in the relationship between monastics and the families who support them.

In the early period of Buddhism, when the Sangha was still taking shape, the inner moral state of monks and nuns was a primary concern of the Buddha and his eminent disciples. This scripture records a case of violation involving miserliness and unwillingness to share material or spiritual benefits received from faithful families.

Main Content

Kulamaccharinī is translated as “stinginess toward families” (kulamaccharī = kula + maccharī), and clearly refers to the attitude of a monastic who does not allow other members of the Sangha or others to enjoy the merit, possessions, or reputation provided by a family or people to that monastic.

Specifically, this fault occurs when a monastic deliberately prevents or obstructs others, especially other monastics or those who wish to establish a relationship of practice with the same supporting family, from receiving similar benefits. This monastic may act in a way that maximizes personal benefit, refusing to share opportunities to cultivate faith together with others.

This is a serious ethical violation because it reflects the absence of loving-kindness (mettā) and equality (samata), two foundational values of Theravāda Buddhism. Stinginess (macchariya) is regarded as a sign of greed (lobha), one of the three root poisons of the human mind.

Practical Meaning

From the perspective of practice, the Kulamaccharinī scripture reminds Buddhists that true faith and virtue can never coexist with stinginess and craving.