San Sarv Bi Pm Tf 3215 Np 14Bribing Weavers
Pāli / Sanskrit:Mahāpesakāra
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Exposition of the Mahāpesakāra Sutta (Bribing Weavers)
Background
The Mahāpesakāra Sutta falls within the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically in the Pāṭimokkha Saṃvara, the rules of restraint for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. This is a specific legal rule concerning the act of “bribery” (pesakāra) or “causing harm through exploitation” in the context of the Sangha.
During the Buddha’s time, a specific incident occurred involving weavers. A bhikkhu or group of bhikkhus used improper means to persuade the weavers to support them or act according to their wishes. This may have involved requesting cloth, asking for help in work, or exerting inappropriate influence over these laborers. This sutta was therefore formed to protect the purity of the Sangha as well as respect laypeople.
Main Content
The Mahāpesakāra rule formally forbids bhikkhus from using bribery, exploitation, or improper influence upon laypeople or anyone else in order to achieve personal aims. Specifically, weavers are mentioned as a typical example of persons with skills or resources whom bhikkhus should not attempt to manipulate.
The act of “pesakāra” (bribery or influence) is defined as seeking to please, entice, or persuade someone through improper means. This differs from kindness, courteous request, or sincere gratitude. If a bhikkhu violates this rule, he commits a Pācittiya offense, an offense requiring confession.
An important point is that this rule not only protects laypeople from being exploited, but also protects the moral integrity of the Sangha.
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