Bi Np 66. Exchanging designated Sangha property
Pāli / Sanskrit:Saṁghikacetapana
A nun who exchanges away a requisite belonging to the Order that is designated for a specific purpose must relinquish the item and confess the offense.
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The Scripture on Exchanging Designated Saṅgha Property (Saṁghikacetapana)
Background
Bi Np 6 is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, reflecting the disciplinary regulations of the Saṅgha for female monastics during the time of the Buddha. In the governance of the monastic community, the Saṅgha holds communal property for use in the benefit of all. Such property is called saṁghika, meaning that which belongs to the community. However, not all communal property may be used or exchanged at will. Many articles are "designated" (cetapana) for a specific purpose—for example, a robe set aside especially to be offered to another monastic, or an article donated on the condition that it be used in a particular way.
This regulation arose when female monastics sought to barter or exchange such designated property for other articles, perhaps for personal benefit or for other reasons. This constitutes a violation of the spirit of collective ownership, as it does not accord with the original intention of the donor or with the decision of the Saṅgha.
Main Content
According to this scripture, when a female monastic exchanges an article belonging to the Saṅgha that has been designated for a distinct purpose, that action is regarded as an offense requiring confession (pācittiya). The consequence of such conduct is that the female monastic must undertake three remedial steps:
First, the female monastic must recover the original article or an equivalent article to return to the Saṅgha. This is called paṭisandhāna (repair, restoration).
Second, the female monastic must openly confess this fault before the Saṅgha or before other monastics of authority. This confession is not a trivial act but is an expression of the resolve to amend one's conduct.
Third, the female monastic must clearly understand why this action is wrong—namely, because it breaks the trust that the community has placed in her, and because it disregards the original intention of the parties involved.
Practical Significance
This scripture is not merely about compliance with rules but also concerns spiritual maturity.
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