Lzh Mg Bi Pm Pc 22Eating Successive Meals
Pāli / Sanskrit:Paramparabhojana
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The Discourse on Eating Successive Meals (Paramparabhojana)
Background
Paramparabhojana (eating successive meals) is a rule within the Pātimokkha—the foundational code of discipline of the Theravāda Buddhist Sangha. This text is recorded in the Vinayadharma (Vinaya Piṭaka), reflecting the Tathāgata's concern for the self-restraint and moderation of the bhikkhus, particularly in their use of food.
The historical context giving rise to this rule originated from a specific incident: certain bhikkhus did not observe the Sangha's customary practices regarding eating, and deliberately ate successive meals throughout the day in order to gratify their desire for food. The Buddha recognized that such behavior was contrary to the spirit of the renunciant life—the relinquishment of craving and the cultivation of independence from sensual pleasures.
Principal Content
This rule prohibits bhikkhus from eating successive meals (paramparabhojana) after the formal morning meal. Specifically, a bhikkhu who has already received food from householders or has eaten from a freshly prepared dish of rice is not permitted to partake of another meal in the afternoon or evening of that same day.
The motivation underlying this rule is clear: the Buddha wished to train the minds of his disciples so that they would no longer be governed by the habit of greed for food. Food, in Theravāda Buddhism, is regarded as "medicine for the sustenance of life" (bhesajja), and not as an object of pleasurable indulgence. By limiting the number of meals, the Sangha cultivates independence from the recurring impulse of craving.
The text does not prohibit the drinking of water or other liquids (ginger water, fruit juice, and so forth) to quench thirst during the day, but it does prohibit any additional solid food after the main meal. This rule also reflects the purpose of meditative cultivation—a mind excessively preoccupied with food cannot concentrate upon deep contemplation.
Practical Significance
The spirit of Paramparabhojana extends far beyond the legal boundaries of dietary restriction. It is a profound teaching on self-restraint (sīla) and on the training of the mind so that it is no longer governed by subtle sensual pleasures.
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