Grammatical Analysis
Lahubhaṇḍa: [nt.] Light property; transferable requisites. Formed by lahu (light, quick, small) + bhaṇḍa (property, goods, equipment).
Orthodox Definition
In monastic law, Lahubhaṇḍa refers to the personal, consumable, or easily transferable property of the Saṅgha. It stands in direct contrast to Garubhaṇḍa (heavy property like land or buildings, which can never be alienated).
Lahubhaṇḍa primarily consists of the basic requisites: robes (cīvara), alms bowls (patta), food, medicines (bhesajja), and small personal items like needles, water filters, or razors. Because this property is “light,” it can be legally divided, distributed, and formally given away by the Saṅgha to individual monks according to seniority or need. For example, when a monk passes away, his robes and bowl are classified as lahubhaṇḍa and are legally distributed among the monks who cared for him or the resident Saṅgha.
Textual References
- Vinaya: Mahāvagga (Cīvarakkhandhaka) – Detailing the rules for the inheritance and distribution of a deceased monk’s light property.
- Commentary: Samantapāsādikā – Providing strict definitions to distinguish borderline items (e.g., a lightweight wooden stool) as either heavy or light property.