San Lo Bu Pm Np 18Money

Exposition of the Money Scripture (Rūpiya)

From the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Tradition

Background

The Money Scripture is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, specifically in the Pātimokkha of the nuns' discipline. These rules concern the management of property and money in the community of Buddhist nuns. The background for creating these rules was the aim of maintaining the economic independence and moral purity of the community of monks and nuns. While the Buddha was alive, female monastic disciples often encountered complex situations involving money, property, and transactions in human society. These rules were established in order to protect the pure nature of Buddhist discipline.

Main Content

The Money Scripture states that nuns are not permitted to directly possess or transact in money (rūpiya). This is not an arbitrary absolute prohibition, but an educational measure intended to cut off the roots of greed and attachment to material possessions. Money is regarded as an object easily giving rise to affliction, leading to greed, hatred, and delusion, the three basic poisons according to the teaching of the Buddha-Dharma.

This rule also protects the honor of the community of monks and nuns in the eyes of society. When nuns do not directly manage money, they avoid suspicions concerning their motives for practice, material greed, or complex relationships with the outside world. Instead, necessary matters involving money for the community's life should be handled by other members or trustworthy laypeople.

Those who violate this rule are considered to have committed a Pārājika, an irredeemable offense, or at least other serious offenses, depending on the degree and circumstances of the violation. This shows the importance that Theravāda Buddhism places on this matter.

Practical Meaning

Although this rule was established for ordained nuns, its deeper meaning has guiding value for all who follow the Buddha-Dharma.