Lzh Mg Bi Pm Pc 24Encouraging Another Monastic to Eat More After Refusing an Invitation
Pāli / Sanskrit:Dutiyapavāraṇā
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Discourse on Encouraging Another Bhikkhu to Eat More After Refusing an Invitation
Background
The Dutiyapavāraṇā is a rule within the Pātimokkha (the fundamental code of discipline for bhikkhus). This discourse appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically within the Pācittiya section (those offenses entailing light expiation). This rule arose from particular circumstances in early monastic life, when bhikkhus needed to refine their conduct toward one another in matters of sharing food and guiding one another in practice.
The historical context shows that within the bhikkhu community, there were occasions when one monk — whether a novice or one of frail constitution — would decline another's invitation to eat, perhaps out of pride, fear of causing inconvenience, or a misunderstanding of discipline. This could lead to a state of malnourishment or isolation within the Saṅgha. Accordingly, the Blessed One established a rule to guide bhikkhus in how to encourage their brothers to cultivate the path with a body kept in good health.
Principal Content
The Dutiyapavāraṇā, literally meaning "a second invitation," stipulates that if another bhikkhu declines an offer of food or refuses something conducive to practice — such as medicine, ghee, or other nourishing provisions — the hospitable bhikkhu should not immediately give up. Instead, he may extend a second and even a third encouragement, with the sincere intention of helping his brother maintain his health and capacity for practice.
Nevertheless, the rule is equally clear regarding its limits: if the one invited continues to refuse, his decision must be respected. One must not coerce him, must not act with the intention of causing discomfort, nor presume that the other "has no need" of assistance. This represents a balance between loving-kindness (mettā) and respect for personal autonomy (attakāma).
This rule reflects a profound principle within the Vinaya: rightness is never compulsion. Rightness is wisdom, careful observation, and an understanding of the particular circumstances of others.
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