Lzh Mu Bi Vb Pc 133Stingy With Families

The Kulamaccharinī Sutta (Greed Toward Families)

Background

The Kulamaccharinī Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha Saṃvara, the basic disciplinary code for bhikkhunīs, female monastics. This work records a disciplinary regulation established by the Buddha to protect the spirit of practice and the wholesome relationship between the Buddhist Sangha and lay families.

The term “Kulamaccharinī” is translated as “greed or stinginess toward families.” This is an offense (Pācittiya, an offense requiring repentance) that female bhikkhus must avoid. The historical background shows that some female monastics took advantage of the trust of lay families in order to accumulate possessions, food, or support beyond reasonable need, for personal benefit rather than for practice.

Main Content

The regulation in this sutta forbids female bhikkhus from acting “greedily” or “stingily” (maccharī) toward families who offer gifts. Specifically, they must not demand or suggest that lay families provide more than they are willing to give, must not hide or conceal the amount of support received, and must not exert psychological pressure so that families increase their merit.

This greedy conduct includes directly requesting particular kinds of food or goods, frequently suggesting that other families provide more generously, or appearing dissatisfied with what has been received. In particular, the accumulation of possessions beyond “three robes and one bowl” violates the spirit of the path.

This rule does not prohibit receiving support or accepting food from families, but is meant to preserve purity and prevent relationships based on greed or personal calculation.

Practical Meaning

The Kulamaccharinī Sutta reflects a profound principle in Buddhist practice: spiritual independence and liberation from craving.