Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Sk 16Na vikīrṇaṁ prāvariṣyāma

Commentary on the Na vikīrṇaṁ prāvariṣyāma Sutta

Background

The text "Na vikīrṇaṁ prāvariṣyāma" (Pāli: one should not let it be scattered) is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, the Pāli Canon. The Vinaya Piṭaka is one of the three divisions of the Tipiṭaka, containing the disciplinary regulations (vinaya) of the Buddhist Sangha, established by the Buddha Śākyamuni to maintain focus, harmony, and purity in the community of monks and nuns.

This text appears in the context of managing the common property of the Sangha. Bhikkhus needed clear regulations on how to handle requisites, clothing, or property owned in common by the Sangha. The issue was how to prevent these assets from becoming scattered, lost, or used unlawfully, thereby causing loss of public trust and affecting the development of the Sangha.

Main Content

The title "Na vikīrṇaṁ prāvariṣyāma" literally means "we should not allow [common property] to become scattered or dispersed." This text establishes the principle of protecting the property of the Sangha, items accumulated from the offerings of laypeople, which must be used reasonably, without waste, and without being monopolized by any individual.

This regulation includes many aspects: bhikkhus may not arbitrarily divide or transfer common property to individuals; requisites should be kept under the witness of the community; and their use must have a clear purpose and be announced. Behind this rule is the principle of building trust, a key factor for the Sangha to receive social support.

This rule also reflects Buddhist psychology: renouncing greed (lobha) and not focusing on material possessions does not mean being irresponsible toward what has been entrusted. On the contrary, careful management of common property is itself a way of practicing renunciation of greed: not serving the individual, but serving the whole Sangha.