Xct Mu Bi Pm Pc 151Stingy With Families

An Explanation of the Kulamaccharinī Sutta (The Sutta on Greed Toward Families)

Background

The Kulamaccharinī Sutta is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka—the legal discipline of training in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition—and is connected with rules concerning the ethical conduct of bhikkhunīs. The term “kulamaccharinī” (kulamaccara + inī, meaning “a nun greedy toward families”) refers to a type of violation of the rule concerning timidity and the failure to renounce material desire in relation to lay associates.

This background arose from the need of Theravāda Buddhism to protect the purity of the Sangha of monks and nuns. The regulations in the Vinaya Piṭaka are directed not only toward ethical action but also toward the mind—removing hidden mental faults in the relationship between monastics and the families who provide requisites, food, and lodging.

Main Content

This sutta revolves around the conduct of a bhikkhunī who likes to receive material favors from one specific family, or certain families, without an attitude of equality. This behavior is called “greed” (maccharinī) because it reflects attachment, partiality, and private desire—qualities contrary to the spirit of renunciation.

The rule emphasizes that bhikkhunīs should not show attachment or excessive focus toward any family. Attachment to particular families easily leads to unfair favoritism, conflict among donors, and ultimately damage to the honor of the Sangha of monks and nuns. Moreover, this attachment reveals a mind not yet liberated from desire and exposes inner weakness.

Practical Meaning

The Kulamaccharinī Sutta teaches us a profound lesson about detachment (virāga) and mental equanimity (samatā). For monastics, it reminds them that material things and social relationships need to be handled with balance and non-attachment. Maintaining fair relationships with all those who provide support is a means of cultivating wisdom and virtue.