Xct Mu Bi Pc 150Stingy With Families

Kulamaccharinī Sutra: The Dharma of Non-Resentment Toward Families

Background

The Kulamaccharinī is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, a core part of the Pāli Canon that records the Buddha’s regulations for monastic practice and the management of the community of monks and nuns. The Pāli term kulamaccharinī is translated as “resentment toward families.” It describes a stingy attitude, overprotecting one’s own property and benefits, especially in the context of family relationships.

This text was recorded in the context of the Buddha teaching his disciples about mistakes in conduct and thought that obstruct the path of practice. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not only a set of mechanical rules, but also a profound lesson in human psychology and how to overcome mental obstacles.

Main Content

The Kulamaccharinī makes clear that resentment toward families, being unwilling to share, help, or receive support from loved ones, is an expression of greed (lobha) and self-centered desire (atta-chanda). This is an attitude that denies the basic truth of interconnection and mutual dependence experienced by all living beings.

According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, stingy action not only affects family relationships, but also creates seeds of long-lasting suffering. Practitioners should understand that their actions, words, and thoughts, body, speech, and mind, all carry consequences. Resentment is a form of wrong view (micchā-diṭṭhī), a mistaken understanding of the nature of property and the true value of life.

The text teaches that sharing is not loss, but an opportunity to generate merit (puñña), nourish loving-kindness (mettā), and reduce the bonds of ignorance. Those who live with an open heart, willing to help their families, will experience inner harmony and build strong relationships and wholesome conditions.