Lzh Dg Bi Pm Pd 5Asking for Milk

THE SUTTA ON ASKING FOR MILK (KHĪRAVIÑÑĀPANA)

Background

The Sutta on Asking for Milk belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Pāli Canon of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. This is a collection related to the disciplinary regulations (Vinaya) that Buddhist monks and nuns must follow in communal practice life.

According to the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, this text records specific situations in the early community of monks and nuns, from which the Buddha set forth rules and guidance to maintain discipline, harmony, and the purity of the Sangha. The title “Khīraviññāpana” (Asking for Milk) clearly indicates content related to monks and nuns asking for milk, a seemingly ordinary subject but one that in fact reflects profound principles of Buddhist practice.

Main Content

According to the Vinaya tradition, this sutta records situations when monks and nuns had a need to ask for milk from people or donors. In that circumstance, the Buddha gave clear instructions on the way to ask, proper conduct, and what should be avoided when asking for milk.

The important point to understand is that this regulation is not about “begging” in a negative sense, but about integrity and propriety in the communication of those who have gone forth. Monks and nuns live dependent on the offerings of the community; therefore, the way of asking for milk must follow certain ethical principles: not for the sake of gain, not teasing or pressuring, not seeking beyond actual need.

This sutta shows the Buddha’s mindfulness of every small action of his disciples. Even an ordinary matter like asking for milk is carefully considered to ensure that practice is not defiled by craving or unsuitable conduct. This is an expression of Vinaya: the discipline is not merely a set of dry prohibitions but the path leading to purity of mind and action.

Practical Meaning

The deep meaning of the Sutta on Asking for Milk lies in training mindfulness (sati) and clear comprehension (sampajañña) in each daily action.