Lzh Mu Bu Vb Np 19Trading With Money

The Sutta on Trading with Money (Rūpiyasaṁvohāra)

Background

The Sutta on Trading with Money belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, in the Nissaggiya Pācittiya section, where actions that bhikkhus must relinquish and confess are prescribed. The Theravada Buddhist tradition records that the Buddha established this rule to prevent bhikkhus from taking part in monetary transactions, an activity regarded as contrary to the Dharma, giving rise to greed and separating the mind from concentration on practice.

In ancient Indian society, money (rūpiya) played a central role in commerce. Bhikkhus lived dependent on alms and support from the lay community. However, these people could be tempted to engage in transactions in order to accumulate personal property or property for the monastery. The Buddha clearly recognized that this was a path leading to decline in the Dharma and weakening the pure virtue of the Sangha.

Main Content

The sutta stipulates that bhikkhus must not participate in buying and selling, exchange, or actions related to money and valuable goods. Violating this rule, whether directly or indirectly, requires confession according to the class of Nissaggiya Pācittiya offenses (forfeiture and confession).

Specifically, the sutta not only prohibits bhikkhus from conducting transactions themselves, but also prohibits them from asking laypeople or others to carry out such acts on their behalf. Even discussing prices or the manner of transaction is regarded as a violation of the same nature. This rule reflects the basic principle that a true bhikkhu must live outside the worldly economic system, receiving only what is offered voluntarily.

The decisive factor in determining an offense is intention (cetanā). If a bhikkhu engages in a transaction for the purpose of gain or advantage, that is a clear violation. Even allowing oneself to be assisted in monetary transactions is not permitted.