Is there any situation in which a monk handles money personally?
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The Vinaya rules disallow monks from touching or handling money.
As such, in Buddhist countries monks must have a Kappiya attendant to handle money for them.
However, if a monk has to travel and does not have a Kappiya, under such circumstances do the Vinaya rules allow him to handle money personally?
This is a problem especially in non-Buddhist countries.
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While it may be a problem or inconvenience, the rules are there to protect and remind the monk about dangerous, unskilful actions.
If the monk becomes increasingly involved with money there is a tendency for the whole of his bhikkhu-life to be compromised — and that would be a far greater problem.
Soon after the Final Passing Away of the Lord Buddha this sort of question had already become a major controversy and it is now even more complex under modern conditions.
However, modern conditions also have brought their own assistance to keeping these rules.
For instance, a bhikkhu can be given an air ticket and travel around the world (if need be) without having any money or attendant.
He will need to be met at the airport and helped in the normal way, but that should be natural if he has been invited to come by the lay group.
And, of course, a monk can use postage stamps and “telephone-cards” that add convenience to communicating — when it is appropriate.
Learn more about the Theravadin Buddhist Monk’s Rules here:
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