Lzh Mg Bi Pm Pc 61Visiting Families Before a Meal
Pāli / Sanskrit:Cāritta
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SUTTA CĀRITTA: THE TRAINING RULE ON A BHIKKHU'S CONDUCT BEFORE A MEAL
Background
The Cāritta Sutta (Conduct) is found within the Pātimokkha (the Code of Discipline)—the core of the Vinaya Piṭaka of Theravāda Buddhism. This is the code of careful practice for bhikkhus (monks) in the earliest Sangha, established upon the teachings of the Blessed One, the Buddha Gotama.
The Cāritta Sutta addresses a specific situation: bhikkhus visiting families before the midday meal (the sole meal permitted for monastics according to the ordinances). Although the sutta does not elaborate in detail upon every circumstance, it reflects a fundamental principle of the Vinaya Piṭaka: the importance of circumspection in the conduct and speech of those who have gone forth, particularly when they are in contact with laypeople.
The historical context reveals that the earliest bhikkhus were required to observe strict regulations regarding social comportment, because their actions directly affected the respect accorded to the Sangha and the understanding of the Dharma among the people. Any behavior that appeared "unrefined" or lacking in dignity could diminish the moral standing of the Sangha.
Main Content
The Cāritta Sutta, within the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, revolves around the principle of pāṭimokkha—that is, "occasions to be avoided" or "offenses to be guarded against." Specifically, when bhikkhus visit families or come into contact with laypeople, they must observe a certain standard of conduct.
The act of visiting families before a meal is not in itself the fundamental concern; rather, it is the manner in which it is carried out that is of paramount importance. Bhikkhus must:
Maintain the dignity of their outward appearance: This includes their monastic robes (properly worn), their manner of walking (unhurried), and their manner of speech (neither arrogant nor coarse).
Avoid conduct liable to give rise to misunderstanding: They should not display excessive familiarity or create the impression that a bhikkhu enters a household to make special requests or to seek personal benefit.
Observe the proper time and manner of eating: Within the Vinaya Piṭaka, eating is governed by clear rules—food is to be eaten only during the permitted time (from dawn…
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