Upp Pc 25Teaching Nuns for Profit

Explanation of the Āmisa Sutta (Teaching Bhikkhunīs for Gain)

Background

The Āmisa Sutta is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, specifically in the Pātimokkha Pāḷi, the section of regulations for bhikkhunīs. This is one of the prohibitions (pācittiya) that female monastics must observe in order to maintain ethics within the Sangha.

The background for the arising of this rule is connected with a specific situation in the development of Buddhism. As the Sangha expanded, bhikkhunīs not only practiced but also had the responsibility to teach girls who wished to go forth or study the Buddha-Dharma. However, some female monastics took advantage of this position to receive material benefits (āmisa) such as clothing, food, or money from those they taught. Such conduct violates the spirit of the Noble Path, because it turns the Dharma into an instrument for gain.

Main Content

The regulation in the Āmisa Sutta states that if a bhikkhunī teaches a girl, or someone wishing to go forth, for the purpose of seeking material gain, that is, with the intention of receiving gifts, commissions, or any material benefit, she commits a pācittiya offense, an offense requiring confession.

The important point is the motive (cetanā). This is not an offense because of the act of teaching, but because of the intention to exploit. If a bhikkhunī teaches purely out of compassion (karuṇā) and the wish that the other person advance on the path of practice, without any plan to receive benefit, that act is entirely free from offense.

This rule reflects a profound principle of Theravāda Buddhism: the Dharma is priceless and cannot be bought or sold. Teaching the Dharma must arise from unconditional compassion, not from a thought of exchange or profit. This is the basic distinction between a Dharma teacher and those who conduct ordinary services as business.