San Lo Bi Pn 44Gain For Monks By Nuns

The Scripture on Gain for a Monk Coming from a Nun

Background

San Lo Bi Pn 44 is a regulation in the Vinaya Piṭaka belonging to the tradition of Early Buddhism. The Vinaya Piṭaka records the rules of practice and governance of the monastic community of monks and nuns that the Buddha established. The section "San Lo Bi" (Sāñcaya-bhikkhu-nisaggiya) pertains to violations concerning the accumulation of property and material things that a monk ought not to keep, or the complex conditions surrounding the use of material goods.

This scripture arises from a specific situation within the monastic community — matters concerning the interaction between male monks (bhikṣu) and female monks (bhikṣuṇī). The Buddha elaborated rules to protect the purity and dignity of both orders, to prevent misunderstandings or improper conduct, and to maintain mutual respect.

Main Content

San Lo Bi Pn 44 governs the situation in which a monk receives benefit or material goods through a nun. Within the context of the Buddhist Vinaya, a monk's receipt of gifts or services is subject to particular conditions. If a monk receives benefit from a nun directly — such as food, cloth, or other requisites — it is necessary to examine whether this constitutes a violation of the spirit of renunciation from material things.

This regulation does not absolutely prohibit a male monk from receiving benefit from a nun. Rather, it establishes a wise framework for avoiding situations that may readily give rise to suspicion or concealment. If there is an exchange of material goods between the two orders, it must be carried out openly, appropriately, and without violating the fundamental rules concerning not possessing property beyond what is needed for daily living.

The essential point is: any benefit received must conform to the general rules of training observed by both the community of monks and the community of nuns.