San Sarv Bu Pm Tf 11 Np 18Money
Pāli / Sanskrit:Rūpiya
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EXPLANATION OF THE RŪPIYA SUTTA (THE SUTTA ON MONEY)
Background
The Rūpiya Sutta lies in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, specifically in the Pātimokkha, the basic code that monastics must observe. This text is drawn from the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha, the rules for bhikkhunīs, in the Nīyādassanikā section concerning offenses related to money.
While the Buddha was alive, he noticed that some monastics had begun to accept or store money (rūpiya), which was contrary to the spirit of renunciation. Money creates conditions for greed, dispute, and violation of the precepts. Therefore, the Buddha established a strict prohibition: monastics must not directly receive, keep, or use money. The Rūpiya Sutta records this principle and the cases of violation.
Main Content
According to the traditional Vinaya Pitaka, money (rūpiya) is defined as gold, silver, and all forms of currency used by human beings as a medium of exchange. The text clearly establishes that a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī may not receive money with their own hand, may not ask another person to bring money, and may not appoint someone as an intermediary to take money on their behalf.
If a monastic receives money directly, that act constitutes a Pācittiya offense, an offense requiring restoration through confession. If money is kept with the intention of using or storing it, the seriousness of the violation may be greater depending on persistence and attitude.
However, the Vinaya also allows certain exceptions. If a monastic unintentionally receives money, for example being given it without knowing, and immediately reports it, or if the money is used for a purpose the monastic cannot control, these cases may be considered according to the specific context. The text also stipulates that if a monastic needs to purchase something necessary, they should ask a layperson or a steward to act as intermediary, rather than directly taking part in a monetary transaction.
Practical Meaning
The prohibition against money is not an irrational constraint, but reflects a profound principle in the Buddha Dharma.
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