Korea Journal of Buddhist Studies 불교학연구 ISSN:1598-0642(Print)

The Study focuses on personal possessions of Buddhist priesthood and monks in the time of Buddha, based on the Pāli Vinaya-piṭaka.The belongings of a Community as a whole, usually classified by the residing temple, were mainly real estates, and some temporary possessions such as bestowed clothings, a begging bowl, medicines, and so on. Temporary possessions were at Community's disposal. Monks personally owned three types of clothings and on begging bowl, which he had brought in with him before becoming a monk.There were three types of clothing allowed to a monk. and there were strict regulations concerning the period and conditions of storage, material to use, keeping, requirements and what to wear when sick. An extra eating plate was allowed for no more than 10 days, and the size and material of the plates were restricted to certain standards. A monk was not allowed to exchange his eating plate to a new one without permission. The size of the blanket was also restricted, but a cushion was granted to protect the body and the clothes. Also, some medicines were allowed in case a monk should come across sick people. The monk has the use of three robes: an outer garment, an under garment, and a cloak. The monk's equipment also includes begging bowl, a belt, a razor, a needle, a strainer, a staff and a tooth-pick. With his robes, these eight items, i.e. the Eight Requisites are allowed to the monk by the Buddha.Possessions of monks are thought to have increased gradually to more than four listed items, in order to improve their well-fare. Regarding the possession matter, a belonging would be passed to a monk from a donor, and during the process, the ownership and control of the goods were the key problems. Any forced transportation of a belonging was prohibited, and steward could temporarily manage the item. Goods to be returned were processed according to the Ñatti-dutiya-kamma(白二羯摩) to the Buddhist monks and followers. It could be seen that all possessions were strictly regulated in time, place and size.Buddhist monks are supposed not lose their initial pledge that to continue on their journey for apprehension and happy life, and they must be content at what they own and own it in order to achieve harmony among the monks and the followers alike. The possessions allowed to the Community and a monk were not fixed through time, but have gradually increased since the time of Buddha.Therefore, it is reasonable to respect what they decide to allow for present-day monks and the Community. As for the monks themselves, a coordination on what they ought to own must take place, and whatever they decide to own, it should be used for the public well-fare and happiness as well as the harmony of the Community and ascetic exercises.