Lzh Dg Bu Pm 2 Sk 32Asking for Rice and Curry
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sūpodanaviññatti
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Explanation of the Sūpodanaviññatti Sutta (Asking for Rice and Curry)
Background
The Sūpodanaviññatti Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon and represents the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. It is a section of detailed rules concerning Sangha discipline, the rules of living, and modes of communication for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs in the early Buddhist community.
This discourse was composed to guide the way of asking for food, an essential activity in the life of monastic practice. After going forth, bhikkhus must rely on the lay community to provide daily food. Asking for food is not an arbitrary act, but must follow specific rules in order to maintain respect, discipline, and harmony within the community of practice and in relations with lay supporters.
Main Content
The Sūpodanaviññatti Sutta, from the Pāli “sūpa” = curry or soup, “odana” = rice, and “viññatti” = request or asking, states that bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs should observe principles when asking laypeople, or within the common monastic household, for rice and curry.
First, asking for food must be done with a pure mind, not out of greed or delight in flavor. The purpose of food is to nourish the body so that one has sufficient strength to perform the work of practice and preserve life, not to seek sensual pleasure. This reflects the Buddhist principle that “food is medicine,” regarding rice and curry only as necessities for survival.
The discourse also clearly states appropriate behavior when asking for food: one must be courteous and considerate, not asking excessively or coercively. Bhikkhus need to maintain moral conduct and not take advantage of the affection or hardship of laypeople. If food is not provided, one should accept this calmly, understanding that the other person has the right to refuse.
Moreover, this discourse also regulates the appropriate seasons and circumstances for asking for food, as well as times when one should not ask, such as when laypeople are worried, grieving, or unprepared.
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