San Mu Bu Pm GBM 3 Np 24Bribing Weavers
Pāli / Sanskrit:Mahāpesakāra
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Mahāpesakāra Sutta: On Bribing Weavers
Background
The Mahāpesakāra Sutta (mahā = great, pesakāra = weaver) is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli tradition, specifically in the Nissaggiya Pācittiya section, rules requiring forfeiture and confession. It is one of the important disciplinary rules for bhikkhus in the Buddha’s Sangha community.
The historical context of this sutta reflects the life of practice in India during the Buddha’s lifetime, when practitioners of the Buddha-Dharma lived by alms and depended on the support of the lay community. In that context, the handling of wealth and the manner of receiving items that supported practice became matters requiring clear regulation in order to protect the purity of the Sangha.
Main Content
The Mahāpesakāra Sutta presents a specific situation: a bhikkhu tries to secure or improve his own benefit by bribing weavers so that they will assist or favor him in providing monastic robes (cīvara). This act is considered a violation of the principle of “integrity in requesting requisites” (ādīnava = recognition of danger).
Specifically, this rule forbids bhikkhus from giving gifts or benefits to others in order to receive favor or assistance in obtaining robes. This is not merely a matter of practical exchange of goods, but concerns the mental attitude in making requests. If a bhikkhu deliberately uses schemes, hidden motives, or manipulation to achieve a personal end, this violates the spirit of the Vinaya.
The penalty for this act is Nissaggiya Pācittiya: the items received must be forfeited, and the offender must confess before the Sangha. This emphasizes that integrity in communication and transparency in relationships are foundations of Sangha life.
Practical Meaning
The Mahāpesakāra Sutta teaches us a profound lesson that the precepts are not rigid limitations, but instruments for protecting the spiritual life.
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