Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Np 14Bribing Weavers

Mahapesakara Discourse: Exploitation and Unmindful Action

Background

The Mahapesakara Discourse (the exploited weaver) is recorded in the Vinaya Pitaka of the Theravada tradition, specifically in the Bhikkhu Patimokkha. This discourse sketches an event in the Buddha’s life in which he had to intervene in the unmindful conduct of bhikkhus involving a weaver.

The historical background of this discourse reflects one of the common problems in the early Sangha community: the exploitation of outsiders for personal gain. The weaver in this discourse represents ordinary people, those able to provide material support to the Sangha. The problem arose, however, when some bhikkhus used improper means to take advantage of such people, violating the principle of simple living and detachment from excessive material needs.

This discourse is one of the important foundations for regulations in the Vinaya, intended to maintain the purity and ethics of the Sangha.

Main Content

The Mahapesakara Discourse presents the necessity of warning and rules in the monastic community. The central problem is that bhikkhus used improper methods, perhaps gentle words, false care, or great benefits, to exploit a weaver for their own purposes.

The Buddha saw that this action violated a basic principle: bhikkhus must not use schemes or improper means to obtain goods or benefits. This is especially important because bhikkhus have vowed to live according to the path, that is, to renounce greed and deception.

Theravada Buddhism regards this discourse as a typical example of lacking right view (samma-ditthi) and lacking right intention (samma-sankappa). The actions of the bhikkhus in the discourse not only violate the Vinaya, but also show a straying from the Noble Eightfold Path, the path leading to the cessation of suffering.