San Lo Bu Pm Pc 20Applying Materials to a Large Dwelling
Pāli / Sanskrit:Mahallakavihāra
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Exposition of the Mahallakavihāra Scripture
On the Use of Materials for Large Vihāras
Background
The Mahallakavihāra scripture belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, where the rules of training and the governance of the monastic community in the Theravāda tradition are preserved. It is one part of the Pātimokkha, the code of training rules, related to specific regulations on the use of building materials and furnishings for monasteries.
The history of the Buddha-Dharma shows that after the Buddha's nirvana, the monastic community had to face practical issues concerning the management of common property, construction, and maintenance of monasteries. This scripture appears in the context of the Buddha's teaching of rules to avoid disputes, waste, and unfairness in the use of the resources of the Sangha.
Main Content
The Mahallakavihāra scripture, concerning a large vihāra (mahallaka), addresses rules related to applying building and decorative materials to towers or large monastery structures. According to the spirit of the Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka, these rules are intended to ensure that the Sangha's property is used openly, fairly, and with the consent of the entire community.
Specifically, the scripture states that when there is an intention to use valuable materials, such as fine wood, paint, gold, silver, or other materials, for large monastic works, monks must not decide on their own but must inform and seek permission from the community. This reflects the basic Sangha principle of democracy, transparency, and shared responsibility. In addition, the materials used must be consistent with the humble way of life (sampadā) of a Buddhist monk, avoiding luxury, waste, or the gratification of useless desires.
The scripture also implicitly suggests that although monasteries need buildings to protect the Sangha from the weather and create an appropriate environment for practice, the ultimate purpose is not ornamentation or display, but service to the Dharma and awakening.
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