Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Np 11Bartering

Exposition of the Kayavikkaya Discourse (Selling the Body)

From the Vinaya Pitaka of the Early Buddhist Tradition

Background

The Kayavikkaya Discourse appears in the Vinaya Pitaka of the Early Buddhist tradition, specifically among the rules concerning prohibited acts for monks and nuns. The terms “kaya” (body) and “vikkaya” (selling, trading) indicate an act that violates monastic discipline and that ordained Buddhists must avoid.

The background of this discourse concerns specific situations in the early Sangha community. There were monks or nuns who used their body, appearance, or physical abilities to do things unworthy of followers of Buddhism, or to accumulate material goods, taking advantage of beauty and health for purposes of improper trade or transactions. The Buddha gave guidance to protect the purity of the Three Jewels.

Main Content

Kayavikkaya refers to the prohibition against using the body to seek gain or to engage in improper material exchange. This includes using appearance or physical ability to attract attention for profit, selling services related to the body, or performing acts motivated by the accumulation of personal property.

According to the spirit of the Vinaya Pitaka, one who has gone forth has abandoned everything to follow the path. Therefore, using the body as a business tool or as a means of exchanging material benefits directly contradicts the vow of going forth. This discourse also contains the meaning of respecting the body in practice: the body should not be viewed as merchandise or property that can be bought and sold, but as an instrument of practice on the path to liberation.

Specific examples may include monks or nuns using appearance or physical skills, such as dancing, performing, or showy acts, to obtain money or gifts from lay followers. This is considered a form of disciplinary violation, Nissaggiya Pacittiya, a kind of offense requiring relinquishment of what has been received.