Lzh Dg Bu Pm Pc 34Accepting Two or Three Bowls Full
Pāli / Sanskrit:Dvittipattapūrapaṭiggahaṇa
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An Explanation of the Dvittipattapūrapaṭiggahaṇa Sutta
On Accepting Two or Three Bowls Full
Background
This discourse is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, which specifically regulates the disciplinary life of the Buddhist Sangha. The Paccaya Vibhaṅga, the section explaining the conditions, of the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha records detailed rules that female bhikkhus must observe. The Dvittipattapūrapaṭiggahaṇa Sutta reflects a specific situation in the daily almsround of women monastics during the Buddha’s time.
The historical background of the original Vinaya is that the Buddha established disciplinary rules not out of a rigid temperament, but to protect fairness, health, and the honor of the Sangha. Each rule has an originating story (samudaya) showing the practical problems that arose, causing the Buddha to give guidance. This discourse concerns the issue of alms food and the extent to which food should be accepted from devotees.
Main Content
The discourse states that a female bhikkhu, when going for alms, should accept two or three bowls full (dvittipattapūra). This means an amount of food appropriate to maintain basic health, without excess.
This rule reflects the principle of the Middle Way (Majjhimā Paṭipadā) taught by the Buddha: neither mortifying the body excessively nor sinking into enjoyment. Accepting “two or three bowls” is not about an absolute specific quantity, but symbolizes moderation, self-control, and freedom from greed.
If a nun accepts too much food beyond basic need, perhaps to store it, give it to others, or out of gluttony, this violates the spirit of the Vinaya. This discourse also implicitly contains the challenge of internal self-discipline, rather than mere external compliance.
Practical Meaning
The deeper meaning of this discourse does not stop at eating and drinking.
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