Lzh Mg Bi Pm Pc 42Giving Food to Ascetics
Pāli / Sanskrit:Acelaka
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Scripture on Providing Food to Strict Persons (Acelaka)
Background
This scripture is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, specifically within the Pātimokkha—the code of monastic rules which the entire Sangha community is obligated to uphold. The Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha (Rules for Bhikkhunīs) addresses the matter of providing food to female monastics who hold a strict and rigid attitude toward the rules and conventions.
The context from which this scripture arose stems from practical situations within the early religious community. When bhikkhunīs lived together, questions concerning the sharing of provisions and how to treat fellow practitioners who held stringent views regarding the Vinaya became significant. The Buddha set forth specific guidelines to maintain harmony, respect, and discipline within the Sangha, while also protecting the welfare and dignity of all its members.
Main Content
The Acelaka Scripture addresses the issue of providing or withholding food from those bhikkhunīs who are strict in their observance of the Vinaya. Those described as "strict persons" (acelaka) are understood to be female monastics who hold a rigid stance, frequently criticizing others for violations of the rules, or bearing an attitude of contempt toward those who do not observe them with sufficient thoroughness.
The Buddha clearly instructed that withholding food from members of the Sangha is inappropriate, regardless of their views or temperament. This is not because strict persons are deserving of better treatment, but because the fundamental principle of the Sangha is mutual care, the maintenance of unity, and the avoidance of acts of personal punishment. Food is a necessity for survival, and to withhold it would violate the spirit of loving-kindness (mettā) and of fairness within the Sangha.
The scripture further emphasizes that female monastics, whatever their character may be, are deserving of basic support from the community.
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