Lzh Dg Bi Pm Sk 27Receiving Even Level

The Samatittika Sutta (Receiving Evenly)

Background

The Samatittika Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition of the Buddha Dharma, within the Pāli Canon. These teachings appear among the regulations for the communal life of monks and nuns, where ethics and conduct are regarded as the foundation of practice. The word “Samatittika” means “receiving evenly” or “receiving in an ordinary, equal way,” reflecting a deep principle: the way we receive material goods, property, and the things society provides must accord with fairness and non-discrimination.

In the context of the Sangha, this relates to how monks, nuns, bhikkhus, and bhikkhunīs receive robes, rice gruel, bedding, and daily requisites. The rules in the Vinaya Piṭaka are not merely formal restrictions, but instructions that help the mind not be drawn into distinction, craving, or discrimination in the community of practice.

Main Content

The principle of “receiving evenly” instructs that monks and nuns should not make special choices or show special preferences for the items they use. When the community provides robes, food, or other necessities, practitioners should receive them without thoughts of favoritism, discrimination, or desire to choose.

This includes many aspects. First, it helps the mind not run after material preferences and cravings, thereby reducing mental troubles. Second, it builds equality in the community: no one is given priority over another, whether senior or famous. Third, it is a practical form of spiritual training: each time we receive an item without choosing, we are training in letting go of personal preference, an important step on the path of clarity.

The Vinaya Piṭaka records that if monks or nuns tend to request or choose better robes, better rice gruel, or more expensive requisites, this is conduct that violates the principle of humility and harms the community.