Lzh Dg Bi Pm Pd 3Asking for Honey

THE SUTTA ON ASKING FOR HONEY (MADHUVIÑÑĀPANA)

Background

The Sutta on Asking for Honey belongs to the Vinaya of the Pāli Canon and reflects an event related to the practice life of the early Sangha under the Buddha’s guidance. In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, these chapters record specific situations from which the Buddha laid down disciplinary rules (Vinaya) to regulate the habits and conduct of bhikkhus.

This case concerns the issue of asking permission for and using natural resources in the course of practice. Honey at that time was regarded as a medicine (bhesajja), a nutritious substance valuable for the physical health of bhikkhus. The issue arose when some bhikkhus asked for honey but did not follow the principles concerning how to ask, the conditions for use, or approval from the Sangha.

This event illustrates a basic principle of the Vinaya: all decisions related to common property, medical resources, and the personal needs of bhikkhus must be made collectively, transparently, and with the agreement of the monastic community. This not only protects the integrity of the bhikkhus but also prevents conduct that might give rise to suspicion about motives or personal gain.

Main Content

The sutta records that some bhikkhus asked for honey without going through the proper procedure. This led to ambiguity about whether honey was a forbidden item under the discipline, as well as the proper way to ask for and use it.

The Buddha explained that honey, as a medicine, may be permitted for protecting and maintaining health. However, the manner of asking must follow the principle that bhikkhus must not ask for or accept possessions on their own authority without the witnessing and approval of the Sangha or authorized members.

This sutta also reflects the principle that items related to health and medicine are not always prohibited, but their use must be carried out properly, without exploitation or private intention.