Lzh Dg Bi Vb Pd 1Asking for Ghee
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sappiviññāpana
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Sappiviññāpana Scripture: Asking for Ghee
Context
Sappiviññāpana (asking for ghee) is a disciplinary rule recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, specifically in the Pātimokkha section — the list of basic rules that bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs must observe. This scripture reflects a practical situation that occurred in the monastic community during the Buddha’s time, concerning how bhikkhus asked for requisites to sustain the life of practice.
The historical context shows that bhikkhus lived according to the principle of alms, possessing only the minimal requisites necessary for the life of practice. Ghee (sappi), one of the valuable nourishing substances of that time, was regarded as a nutritious food, especially necessary when a bhikkhu was sick or weak. However, issues concerning how to ask for and receive such requisites gave rise to disputes in the community, and from this the Buddha issued clear rules.
Main Content
The Sappiviññāpana rule establishes that bhikkhus should not directly request or urge others to bring ghee or similar nourishing substances for themselves. If a bhikkhu is ill and needs ghee to recover his health, he must inform (viññāpana) others indirectly, not make a direct and urgent demand.
The correct practice according to the law is that a bhikkhu may inform those close to the community — such as supporters of the dispensation (upāsakā) or other bhikkhus — about his state of health. This allows kind-hearted people to help voluntarily, rather than being pressured or compelled by a direct request.
The content of this rule emphasizes the subtle difference between “informing” (viññāpana) and “asking” (yācanā). A bhikkhu practicing according to discipline should not lower his dignity by bluntly requesting material things, even when they are necessary for health.
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