Ka Bu Pm Pc 38Storing Food
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sannidhikāraka
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Explanation of Sannidhikāraka (The Sutta on Storing Food)
Background
Sannidhikāraka is a provision in the Pātimokkha of the Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pācittiya section. This rule was completed by the Buddha because of specific circumstances involving bhikkhus in the early Sangha.
The arising of this regulation is connected with the act of storing food, especially perishable foods, without lawful permission or a proper purpose. At that time, some bhikkhus stored food beyond their daily need, leading to greed, wastefulness, and violation of the spirit of the simple life of the renunciant. The Buddha saw that this act was contrary to the noble Dharma, and therefore established the rule to preserve discipline and purity of mind within the Sangha.
Main Content
The Sannidhikāraka Sutta forbids a bhikkhu from storing food for later use, with certain lawful exceptions. Specifically, a bhikkhu should not set aside foods such as rice, preserves, flour, or other foods beyond what is suitable for a meal in the day.
However, the rule permits certain exceptions. When a bhikkhu is ill, has an urgent reason, or has been clearly instructed by a teacher for certain days, food may be stored for the necessary period. In addition, if the Sangha permits a collection, or if there is a proper purpose such as preparing for a long journey to teach the Dharma, there may also be an exception.
The penalty for violating this is pācittiya, a minor offense requiring the bhikkhu to disclose the fault before another bhikkhu. This is not a grave offense leading to expulsion, but it still must be corrected through sincerity and renewed practice.
Practical Meaning
The Sannidhikāraka rule has a deep meaning concerning purity of mind and the practice of non-self.
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