San Lo Bi Pn 21Using Various Things
Pāli / Sanskrit:vikṛti-pratisaṁyuktaṁ
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Explanation of the Discourse “Using Various Things”
Background
The discourse “Using Various Things” (vikṛti-pratisaṁyuktaṁ) is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Sankhara Loma Bhikkhuṇī Pācittiya, regulations concerning Pācittiya offenses for bhikkhunīs. This is a refined part of the Buddha Dharma’s discipline, recording the admonitions taught by the Buddha to govern the monastic community in a systematic and humane way.
The Vinaya Piṭaka is not merely a set of punitive rules, but a treasury of wisdom on how to live harmoniously with the community, protect spiritual life, and preserve the true Dharma for a long time. Each disciplinary discourse arises from specific situations occurring within the community of monks and nuns, and the Buddha taught principles to resolve them.
Main Content
This discourse addresses the use of various articles that bhikkhunīs need in the life of study and practice. According to the Theravāda tradition, bhikkhunīs are permitted to possess a number of necessary items to support the holy life: robes, alms bowl, belt, simple bedding, and basic items for hygiene.
However, the Buddha also set limitations on the use of such articles. The issue does not lie in the objects themselves, but in the state of mind of the one who uses them. If a bhikkhunī uses these things with greed, a desire for luxury, or for display, then it is a violation. Conversely, if they are used appropriately, sufficiently, and with a mind directed toward the attainment of nirvana, then these objects are reasonable supports for the holy life.
This discourse also emphasizes that a bhikkhunī should not seek to evade the rule by changing the shape, color, or manner of use of objects in order to conceal their true nature. This reflects the principle of seriousness in Buddhist practice.
Practical Meaning
In practice, this discourse teaches practitioners that diligence (viriya) does not mean being apart from the rule, but understanding clearly the spirit of the rule.
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