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THE SCRIPTURE ON MONEY (RŪPIYA)

Background

In the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, the Vinaya Piṭaka is the collection of rules of conduct established by the Buddha for the Sangha. The scripture on Money (Rūpiya) is found in the Pātimokkha section of the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha, or the rules reserved for nuns. The issue of money and things considered valuable is very important because it is directly connected with purity of mind and the self-mastery of one gone forth.

The Buddha recognized that disputes over material wealth, especially money, could become a source of suffering, greed, and violations of the vows of practice. Therefore, he set forth very clear restrictions on monastics’ handling of money. This rule is not an arbitrary limitation, but a means of protecting the purity of the Sangha and helping monastics focus on the goal of liberation.

Main Content

According to the Theravāda tradition, Buddhist renunciants are not permitted to own, keep, or directly accept money. This includes gold, silver, and other forms of currency. If a bhikkhu or nun accepts money from a layperson or from someone else, they violate one of the most basic rules of the Vinaya.

The scripture prescribes that if necessary requisites for daily life are needed, monastics must rely on the support of the lay Buddhist community (upāsaka/upāsikā). These people will take care of genuine needs such as food, medicine, robes and meals, and lodging. In this way, monastics can remain free from entanglement in financial management and trade.

The Vinaya Piṭaka also prescribes that if a bhikkhu or nun directs someone to obtain money on their behalf, or if they communicate with others about money by indirect means, they also violate the rule. This is to prevent subtle evasions that could contradict the true way of practice.