Bi Np 1010. Exchanging designated personal property that was asked for
Pāli / Sanskrit:Puggalikacetāpana
A nun who asks for a personal requisite for a specific purpose and then exchanges it for something else must relinquish the item and confess the offense.
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Interpretation of Bi Np 10: Exchanging Designated Personal Property
Background
This rule is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka — specifically in the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha (the code of discipline for nuns) — and falls within the regulations governing the handling of personal property belonging to bhikkhunīs. In the early period of Buddhism, the Blessed Gotama established clear principles concerning the possession and use of material requisites for practice, so as to prevent carelessness and disorder within the Saṅgha.
The foundation of this regulation arises from a basic principle: the personal requisites of a bhikkhunī are "individual designated property" (puggalika cetā) that serve legitimate needs in the conduct of her practice. However, such items may only be requested or received on the basis of a specific purpose and genuine need. When the intention changes or the purpose is no longer applicable, exchanging or substituting items that have been clearly designated constitutes a breach of the donor's trust and a violation of the principles of practice.
Main Content
The rule Bi Np 10 concerns a specific case: a bhikkhunī requests a personal requisite — such as a robe, a blanket, or a basic utensil — for a clearly stated purpose. For example, she might say: "I need a robe to protect myself from the cold in winter," or "I need a blanket because I am currently ill."
However, after receiving the item, instead of using it for the declared purpose, the bhikkhunī exchanges it for something else (pariccatti). This action violates honesty and respect toward the donor or toward the Saṅgha that distributed the item.
According to the regulation, a bhikkhunī who commits this violation must observe two steps of rectification: first, she must relinquish the exchanged item and return the original, or take the appropriate steps to make amends; second, she must confess (confess) this fault before the Saṅgha or before a qualified bhikkhunī. The act of confession is not a mere verbal declaration — it must genuinely give rise to sincere remorse and the firm resolve not to repeat the offense.
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