Chulavagga 6.15

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Adapted from the Translation by T. W. Rhys Davids and Hermann Oldenberg

CHULAVAGGA (THE MINOR SECTION)

SIXTH KHANDHAKA (ON DWELLINGS AND FURNITURE)

Chapter-15.

1. Now at that time the Bhikkhus who dwelt in a certain country residence, not far from Savatthi, were worried by having constantly to provide sleeping accommodation for travelling Bhikkhus who came in (from country-places). And those Bhikkhus thought: '[This being so,] let us hand over all the sleeping accommodation which is the property of the Sangha to one (of us), and let us use it as belonging to him.' And they [did so].

Then the incoming Bhikkhus said to them: 'Prepare, Sirs, sleeping accommodation for us.'

'There are no beds, Sirs, belonging to the Sangha. We have given them all away to one of us.'

'What, Sirs? Have you then made away with property belonging to the Sangha?'

'That is so, Sirs.'

The moderate Bhikkhus murmured, &c., and told this matter to the Lord Buddha.

'Is it true, O Bhikkhus, as they say, that Bhikkhus make away with Sangha property?'

'It is true, Lord.'

2. Then the Lord Buddha rebuked them, &c., and said to the Bhikkhus: 'These five things, O Bhikkhus, are untransferable; and are not to be disposed of either by the Sangha, or by a company of two or three Bhikkhus (a Gana), or by a single individual. And what are the five? A park (Arama), or the site for a park--this is the first untransferable thing, that cannot be disposed of by the Sangha, or by a Gana, or by an individual. If it be disposed of, such disposal is void; and whosoever has disposed of it, is guilty of a thulakaya(big/grave offence). A Vihara, or the site for a Vihara--this is the second, &c. (as before). A bed, or a chair, or a bolster, or a -pillow--this is the third, &c. A brass vessel, or a brass jar, or a brass pot, or a brass vase, or a razor, or an axe, or a hatchet, or a hoe, or a spade--this is the fourth, &c. Creepers, or bamboos, or munga, or babbaga grass, or common grass, or clay, or things made of wood, or crockery--this is the fifth, &c. (as before, down to) thulakaya(big/grave offence).'