Lzh Mg Bi Pm Pc 25Eating Unoffered Food
Pāli / Sanskrit:Dantapona
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Scripture on Eating Food That Has Not Been Offered
Dantapona — Vinaya Piṭaka, Pāli Canon
Background
The Dantapona scripture (Eating food that has not been offered) is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically in the Pāṭimokkha — the fundamental code of rules that monks must observe. This rule was established when the Buddha observed that certain monks, without asking permission from the householder, would on their own accord eat food from the kitchen or from places where it had not yet been offered to monastics.
In this context, danta carries the meaning of "measured meal" or "meal that has been offered," while pona may relate to the absence of permission or to taking without leave. The historical background of this rule reflects the relationship between the Sangha and lay followers in Indian society of that time — lay supporters offer food with wholesome intention, and monks must honor and respect that act of offering.
Main Content
The Dantapona rule stipulates that a monk may not eat food that has not been explicitly offered to him by the householder, even if that food is readily available within the house or in the kitchen. Specifically, if a monk enters the home of a lay follower and sees food set out that has not been clearly offered to him by the householder, he is not permitted to take it and eat it of his own accord.
This rule is classified among the Pācittiya rules — rules that require confession (pācittiya meaning "requiring expiation" upon transgression). If a monk violates this rule, he must acknowledge the offense and perform the appropriate expiation practice, or seek confession before the Sangha.
The deeper rationale of this rule is not merely to respect the property rights of lay followers, but also to train the mind of the monk in humility, non-greed, and reverence toward those who provide almsfood. This rule likewise serves to prevent conduct akin to "stealing" — even if it concerns only food within a lay supporter's home — which would bring harm to the honor and reputation of the Sangha.
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