San Lo Bi Pn 42Monks’ Materials
Pāli / Sanskrit:bhikṣūṇām āmiṣaṁ
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Explanation of the Discourse on Monks’ Materials - San Lo Bi Pn 42
Background
The discourse “Monks’ Materials” (bhikṣūṇām āmiṣaṁ) is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, reflecting the attentiveness of early Buddhism to subtle issues in the daily lives of those who have gone forth. In the context of the developing monastic community (Saṅgha), the Buddha, in response to specific events, set forth regulations concerning the use and management of materials necessary for the life of practice. This discourse belongs to the Vinaya, the discipline, where modes of conduct and criteria distinguishing what is appropriate and what is inappropriate for bhikkhus are recorded.
The background of the discourse is directly connected with the practical needs of the monastic community. The Buddha was not merely a teacher of abstract doctrine, but a holy one who understood clearly the difficulties of daily life. The issue of “āmiṣa,” food, supportive materials, and material possessions, concerns the things bhikkhus encounter when living in community and receiving offerings from the people.
Main Content
The discourse prescribes the materials that bhikkhus are permitted to use and the way to manage them carefully, in accordance with the principles of practice. These are not irrationally harsh regulations, but a balance between the needs of survival and the ideal of one who has gone forth, one who has renounced material wishes and desires.
The discourse emphasizes that materials offered to bhikkhus must be used appropriately, not wasted, and not employed for purposes contrary to the noble Dharma. Requisites such as food, robes, clothing, lodging, and other articles all have definite principles for how they are to be received and used. In particular, the discourse warns against greed and storing unnecessary things, because this contradicts the spirit of renunciation.
An important aspect is the distinction between materials “in accordance with the Dharma” (dhamma-anuloma) and materials “contrary to the Dharma” (adhamma-anuloma).
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