Bi Pc 160160. Diverting gains intended for the Sangha
Pāli / Sanskrit:Pariṇāmana
A nun who diverts to an individual an offering intended for the Order must confess the offense.
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Commentary on Bhikkhunī Pācittiya 160: Diverting Gains Intended for the Sangha
Background
This text belongs to the Bhikkhunī Pācittiya (Bi Pc) within the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, recording the rules of conduct for bhikkhunīs. The context giving rise to this rule concerns a bhikkhunī who receives a portion of the offerings, money, or material goods that lay donors intend to present to the entire Sangha, but then distributes them to an individual or a small group. This action violates the spirit of community and the trust that donors place in the Sangha.
In Buddhism, the Sangha is one of the Three Jewels (Tiratna) — together with the Buddha and the Dharma. When lay practitioners offer gifts to the Sangha, they expect those benefits to be distributed equitably, without any individual monopolizing or "diverting" them (pariṇāmana) to serve other purposes. This reflects the principle of justice and purity (sīla) within the Buddhist Vinaya.
Main Content
Rule Bi Pc 160 stipulates that if a bhikkhunī receives offerings or gains intended for the entire Sangha and intentionally diverts them to an individual — whether another person or herself — this constitutes an offense requiring a Pātimokkha confession (public acknowledgment). The bhikkhunī must confess this fault before the Sangha.
The text emphasizes an important point regarding "intention" (cetanā): the act of diversion must be carried out deliberately and with clear awareness. This distinguishes it from inadvertent action or ignorance of the nature of the offering. The purpose of the rule is not to punish the isolated or destitute, but to protect the trust of the lay community and to uphold the principle of purity within the Sangha.
The act of confession (paṭidesanā) is the means by which the bhikkhunī corrects her transgression. Public confession is not merely a matter of remembering one's fault, but also signifies a firm resolve to act rightly in the future.
Practical Significance
Bhikkhunī Pācittiya 160 teaches that integrity in the handling of Sangha property is the foundation of the Vinaya.
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