Bi Pc 110110. Leaving furniture outside

Scripture on Leaving Monastery Furnishings Outside

Vinaya Piṭaka – Bhikkhunī Pācittiya 110 (Mañcasanthārana)

Background

The Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition is a collection of disciplinary rules established by the Buddha for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs within the monastic community. These rules are not arbitrary prohibitions, but guidelines intended to cultivate noble character, protect the honor of the Sangha, and nurture purity of mind.

The Mañcasanthārana (Leaving Monastery Furnishings Outside) is found within the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha — the code of rules for bhikkhunīs. The circumstances giving rise to this rule concern the care of communal property belonging to the Sangha. In the early days, there were heedless bhikkhunīs who left furnishings such as beds, chairs, and storage cabinets belonging to the community out in the open, exposed to rain and wind, without attending to them. This caused damage to communal property and reflected a lack of responsibility and a careless attitude toward stewardship.

Main Content

Bhikkhunī Pācittiya 110 stipulates that: if a bhikkhunī intentionally leaves furnishings (mañca — beds, or other items of furniture) belonging to the Sangha outdoors, without protecting them from rain and sun, such an action constitutes a Pācittiya offense — an offense requiring confession.

"Communal property" (Saṅghika) here refers to possessions belonging collectively to the Sangha, not to any individual. Such items include beds, chairs, tables, cabinets, and household furnishings used in common service to the community. Leaving them outside without protection is regarded as a careless and negligent act, reflecting a lack of mindfulness or a failure to respect communal property.

Confession (patidesanā) is the step toward genuine repentance. The bhikkhunī must verbally acknowledge her transgression in the presence of her sisters in the Sangha, expressing remorse and the firm resolution not to repeat the offense.