Lzh Sarv Bu Vb Np 24Bribing Weavers

MAHĀPESAKĀRA RULE

On Bribing Weavers

Background

This passage appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, the section governing the conduct of bhikkhunīs. The Vinaya Piṭaka is a precious accomplishment of the Theravāda tradition, recording in detail the rules intended to nurture pure conduct in the Sangha.

Mahāpesakāra (“great bribery”) is an element within the system of “pesakāra,” offenses often connected with actions that are not pure, not straightforward, or motivated by an intention to disturb. The historical background of this passage relates to managing property, services, and ordinary interactions between the Sangha and lay society. Nuns might need to make use of weaving services to make robes or to meet clothing needs. However, this had to follow rules of proper calculation, clarity, and careful accounting; bribery or manipulation of weavers was absolutely not permitted.

Main Content

The rule on Mahāpesakāra in the context of “Bribing Weavers” forbids bhikkhunīs from providing extra benefits, unnecessary gifts, or special favors in order to make weavers work faster, better, or change their conduct according to one’s wishes. Specifically, if a bhikkhunī provides extra money, higher wages than the standard, or valuable items in order to receive priority, that is a pesakāra act, an offense that may not reach the gravest level of the Pātimokkha but nevertheless clearly violates the spirit of Dharma discipline.

The basic principle here is that in economic relationships with laypeople, a bhikkhunī must always maintain sincerity, purity, fair dealings, and clarity. She must not use subtle or deceptive strategies to achieve private aims.