A Life Free from Money

　　Information about the Money Rules

　　for Buddhist Monks and Nuns

　　by Dhamminda Bhikkhu

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　　Contents

　　Part 1 Information For Lay Supporters

　　Part 2 The Fault In Accepting Money

　　Part 3 The Rules Concerning Money

　　Part 4 Forfeiture And Confession

　　Part 5 Modern Methods

　　Conclusion

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　　Information about the Money Rules

　　This article was written for the many bhikkhus who have asked me questions about the money rules found in the Vinaya. Since a newly ordained bhikkhu has little chance of being able to read the commentaries I have translated many sections from there. I hope that there is sufficient information in this article to help bhikkhus to understand how to keep these rules.

　　Part 1. Information for Lay Supporters

　　Do you know that the Buddha did not allow monks and novices to accept money

　　You will certainly have noticed that the vast majority of monks do accept and use money. This is one of the factors that will lead to the disappearance of the Buddha´s Teaching. You can help to keep the Buddha´s Teaching alive by learning how to offer allowable requisites.

　　In this section we will list the main points that a layperson should remember so that a monk (bhikkhu) may obtain requisites without breaking the rules of Vinaya.

　　1. Never offer money to bhikkhus, but only offer allowable requisites such as robes, medicine, books, or tickets for transport. If you are unsure as to what a bhikkhu needs then you can ask him, or invite him to ask you if he needs anything.

　　2. A fund for requisites can be left with a kappiya (someone who performs services for a bhikkhu) and he should be instructed to buy and offer requisites for a bhikkhu, a group of bhikkhus, or the sangha of a monastery. Do not ask the bhikkhu, `To whom should this be given to

　　´ If you ask in this way then it is not allowable for a bhikkhu to point out a kappiya. Simply say, `Venerable Sir, I want to offer requisites to you. Who is your kappiya

　　´

　　3. Having instructed the kappiya then inform the bhikkhu by saying, `I have left a fund for requisites worth `x´ dollars with your kappiya. When you need requisites ask him and he will offer them to you.´

　　4. If you already know who the bhikkhu´s kappiya is then you can simply leave the fund with the kappiya and inform the bhikkhu as above in no 3.

　　Please read the above carefully and take note of what to say. The above procedure was allowed by the Buddha in what is called the `Mendaka allowance´. It is found in the Bhesajja Khandhaka of Mahavagga in the Vinaya Pitaka and the translation of it reads:

　　Bhikkhus, there are people of faith and respect and if they should entrust money in the hands of a kappiya and instruct him saying, `With this money offer allowable requisites to this Venerable One,´ then bhikkhus I allow you to accept whatever allowable requisites are obtained with that money, but bhikkhus, in no way whatsoever do I allow money to be accepted or searched for.´

　　Also a rule called Raja-sikkhapada, the tenth rule of the Kathina Vagga in the Nissaggiya Pacittiya section of the Patimokkha gives relevant information. It is translated as follows:

　　If a king, a king´s officer, a brahmin, or a layperson should send a messenger with money in order to buy a robe for a bhikkhu saying, `Having bought a robe with this money offer it to such and such a bhikkhu,´ and if that messenger should approach that bhikkhu and say, `Venerable Sir, this money for buying a robe has been brought here for you. Venerable Sir, please accept this money for buying a robe.´ Then that bhikkhu should …

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