Does <i>rajata</i> Mean Coin in the Vinaya

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  • 律蔵捨堕法における銀（rajata）と銭

Abstract

<p>A bhikkhu is forbidden to take up jātarūpa-rajata （gold or silver） according to the rule of Nissaggiya-Pācittiya in the Pāli Vinaya. The term jātarūpa-rajata consists of two words, jātarūpa and rajata, in which the former is defined as satthuvaṇṇa （the color of gold） and the latter described as kahāpaṇa and māsaka （copper, wood or resin money）, as stated in the Old Commentary （Padabhājaniya）. However, the common interpretation of rajata - silver - is not mentioned. The reasons that rajata was interpreted as money but not silver in the Old Commentary are discussed in this article. The discussion is based on an investigation into the coin of 84th pācittiya in the Pāli Vinaya, according to which jātarūpa-rajata was explained as ratana. It is highly likely that the term jātarūpa-rajata in the Nissaggiya-Pācittiya refers to the silver coin used in ancient India. By contrast, in the 84th Pācittiya of the Vinaya, it could mean golden or silver products.</p>

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