Xct Mu Bu Vb Np 19Trading With Money

The Discourse on Trading with Money (Rūpiyasaṁvohāra)

Background

This rule appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Nissaggiya Pācittiya section, rules that require bhikkhus to confess and undergo a penalty if they violate them. These are instructions related to the use of money and material property, a matter the Buddha regarded as a major obstacle to purity of mind and spiritual conduct.

The historical background shows that in the Buddha’s time some bhikkhus traded with money and bought and sold goods for profit. This conduct conflicted with the basic principle of the Sangha: those who have gone forth have abandoned worldly life and should not take part in commercial activities. This not only weakens the ideal of renunciation, but also causes disorder in the fourfold community and affects the reputation of the Dharma.

Therefore, the Buddha laid down clear rules to prevent bhikkhus from trading, buying and selling, accumulating money, or accumulating property. These rules reflect the ancient tradition of practice: a bhikkhu lives by going on almsround, receiving necessary requisites from laypeople, and never actively seeking gain.

Main Content

The Rūpiyasaṁvohāra rule states that a bhikkhu may not trade, buy and sell, or directly receive money (rūpiya). Any bhikkhu who violates this injunction must confess the offense and undergo the Nissaggiya Pācittiya penalty, that is, he must acknowledge the fault and relinquish the unlawful item to the Sangha or to another bhikkhu.

The rule applies not only to money but also extends to other forms of exchange involving property. For example, a bhikkhu may not ask another person to purchase items for him with money, or participate in commercial transactions for profit. Whether the benefit is small or large, the principle remains the same.

However, the Vinaya Piṭaka also recognizes lawful exceptions.