Lzh Dg Bi Vb Pd 7Asking for Fish

Scripture on Asking for Fish (Macchaviññāpana)

Context

The Scripture on Asking for Fish is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha section — the collection of basic precepts that bhikkhus must observe. This shows that the content of the scripture is directly connected with the discipline of life in the Sangha community, not a profound philosophical teaching but practical guidance concerning ethical conduct.

The content of this scripture arose from specific situations in the life of practice in monasteries during the Buddha’s time. Bhikkhus needed clear guidance about actions to be done and not done, in order to protect the purity of the Sangha and maintain its honor in the eyes of the people. The Scripture on Asking for Fish concerns a specific issue: bhikkhus actively asking or requesting that laypeople provide foods, especially fish.

Main Content

In the Theravāda tradition, the Buddha established rules so that bhikkhus would maintain purity and not cause laypeople to feel troubled. The Scripture on Asking for Fish specifically warns that bhikkhus should not actively ask or suggest that laypeople bring fish or other foods for them.

The reason behind this rule is profound. First, actively asking for material food is an act characterized by greed (lobha), contrary to the renunciant spirit of Buddhism. A bhikkhu should live on what people voluntarily provide, not actively demand things. Second, this action may give rise to anger or discomfort among laypeople, negatively affecting the honor of the Sangha in the eyes of the community. Third, it may create favoritism or discrimination, weakening the spirit of equality in the Sangha community.

Observing this rule is a way of practicing right intention (sammā-saṅkappa) — upright intention in thoughts and actions concerning material requisites.