San Sarv Bu Pm Tf 11 Np 20Bartering

Explanation of the Kayavikkaya Sutta (Bartering)

Background

Kayavikkaya is one of the Patimokkha regulations, the ethical code, in the Theravada Buddhist tradition. This text is found in the Vinaya Pitaka, specifically in the Nisaggiya Pācittiya section, concerning offenses that require forfeiture together with basic expiation, and addresses restrictions on the exchange of goods by monastics.

The subjects of this regulation are monastics, bhikkhus and bhikkhunis, in the Sangha. The historical background for the arising of this rule comes from disciplinary incidents in the early Buddhist community, when some monastics took part in buying, selling, or exchanging goods, which violated the spirit of their vow: to live simply and apart from worldly activities.

Main Content

Kayavikkaya (kayā = goods; vikkaya = exchange, sale) determines that monastics are not permitted, directly or indirectly, to engage in exchanging goods for personal benefit. This rule includes acts such as exchanging one item for another, selling received items in order to obtain other items, or asking others to conduct these transactions on one’s behalf.

The essential point of the rule is the direct involvement of the monastic in the process of exchange. If a monastic exchanges a layperson’s robe for another robe, or exchanges currency, or asks someone else to exchange on their behalf, these acts are all considered violations of Nisaggiya Pācittiya. This act requires relinquishment of the item and a public confession of remorse.

This rule does not forbid monastics from receiving necessary requisites from laypeople or from the Sangha, but only prohibits exchange of a commercial nature. If a monastic needs another item, the regulation encourages them to give up the old item and request the new item directly, rather than through barter.