Aspects of Mahayana Buddhism and its Relation to Hinayana c9.s8.t2.1

c9.s8.t2.1

(ii) The functions of a Vaiyāvṛtya bhikṣu (i.e., a monk who has taken upon himself the responsibility of serving the Saṅgha) correspond to those of the Senāsanapaññāpaka (arranger of seats, beds, etc.) and Bhattudesaka (distributor of food) of the *Suttavibhaṅga*¹. The account of the functions of the Senāsanapaññāpaka and Bhattudesaka is confined to matters relating to the distribution of seats, beds and articles of food to the monks. The quotation in the *Śikṣāsamuccaya* touches on many topics and is interesting from the view-point of the functions of the secretary of a religious organization. It says that the primary aim of a Vaiyāvṛtya bhikṣu should be to win the approval of the Saṅgha. He should do every act, however small it may be, with the consent of the Saṅgha. He must see to the needs of monks, who are āraṇyakas (leading a forest life), piṇḍacārikas² (living on alms under some restrictions), yogācārins (meditating)³, bāhuśrutyas (seekers of wide learning), dharmakathikas (preachers of the law) or are suffering from illness. He should keep separate the money or business relating to the saṅgha of a particular locality and that of the saṅghas of the four regions (cāturdiśa) of all times.⁴ He must apply the gifts made specially for a stūpa to the use of the stūpa and not to any other purpose. He must not lose his temper or give improper directions. He must render account of the gifts received by him from faithful devotees at proper time and place.¹ This account is followed by a list of the punishments that will be meted out to him in his future births for the breach, or improper discharge, of his duties.