Grammatical Analysis
Garubhaṇḍa: [nt.] Heavy property; untransferable property of the Saṅgha. Formed by garu (heavy, serious) + bhaṇḍa (property, goods, equipment).
Orthodox Definition
Garubhaṇḍa is an administrative Vinaya classification referring to the immovable or substantial property belonging to the Saṅgha of the four directions (cātuddisa-saṅgha).
According to monastic law, Garubhaṇḍa includes items such as land, monasteries (vihāras), trees, heavy furniture (beds, chairs, benches), and metal vessels. The defining legal characteristic of Garubhaṇḍa is that it is absolutely inalienable. It cannot be divided, distributed, sold, or given away to an individual monk or layperson under any circumstances—not even by the unanimous agreement of a full Saṅgha council.
If a monk attempts to divide or appropriate Saṅgha heavy property for himself, he incurs a serious offense (often a Thullaccaya or Pārājika if the value meets the threshold for theft). It ensures that monastic infrastructure endures across generations. (The opposite is Lahubhaṇḍa, light property like robes and food, which can be distributed).
Textual References
- Vinaya: Cullavagga (Senāsanakkhandhaka) – Rules regarding lodgings and the classification of Saṅgha property.
- Commentary: Samantapāsādikā – Providing exact lists of what constitutes heavy versus light property and how administrators (senāsanagāhāpaka) must manage it.