Lzh Dg Bi Pm Pc 26Eating Unoffered Food

Sutra on Eating Food Not Offered

Dantapona - Lzh Dg Bi Pm Pc 26

Background

This sutra is recorded in the Pātimokkha of the Theravāda Vinaya tradition, specifically in the Pāṭidesanīya section, the rules requiring acknowledgment. The origin of this rule is related to the conduct of a group of monastics during the Buddha’s time. They ate food that had not been offered by the owner or householder, that is, they took food for themselves from where it was stored without permission or a clear invitation from the owner.

This is not a major offense such as Pārājika or Saṅghādisesa, but it is conduct lacking carefulness and cultivation in maintaining good relations between the Sangha, the community of the Sangha Jewel, and the lay community. When the Buddha was informed of this event, he established a rule of admonition (Pāṭidesanīya sikkhāpada), requiring any monastic who violated this rule to acknowledge the offense before the Sangha.

Main Content

The Dantapona rule prescribes that any monk, nun, or bhikṣu who eats food not directly offered by the owner or householder has committed an act requiring acknowledgment (pāṭidesanīya). The term “unoffered food” means food that has not been clearly invited, given, or offered to the monastic by the owner or the person authorized to distribute it.

The main point of the rule concerns permission and respect for the property rights of those who provide food. Even if food is available and easily accessible, the monastic must observe the subtle principle: eat only what has been invited, given, or clearly offered. This expresses nobility in the monastery and deep respect for the lay community.

The violation does not require bad intention or exploitation. It is enough that the monastic eats food without the owner’s permission or offering; acknowledgment is then necessary.