Lzh Mg Bi Pm Pd 2Asking for Oil
Pāli / Sanskrit:Telaviññāpana
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
THE DISCOURSE ON ASKING FOR OIL (Telaviññāpana)
Background
The Discourse on Asking for Oil belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, a central component of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. The Vinaya Piṭaka records the rules of monastic practice and instructive stories concerning bhikkhus, bhikkhunis, and those who studied under the Buddha.
This discourse is found within the section of the Pātimokkha — the collection of fundamental precepts that every bhikkhu must observe. Although the title is "Asking for Oil" (Telaviññāpana), its deeper significance concerns the manner of making requests, along with customs surrounding the solicitation of fire, oil, and other daily necessities within the monastic community.
The Theravāda Buddhist tradition preserves this discourse in order to guide bhikkhus on matters of proper conduct, mindful discretion, and responsibility toward the community.
Principal Content
The Discourse on Asking for Oil generally pertains to regulations governing how bhikkhus may request basic requisites such as oil for lighting, for use in the preparation of food, or for medicinal purposes. In the context of ancient India, oil — particularly sesame oil or coconut oil — was a precious commodity serving not only everyday needs but also having therapeutic applications.
The specific content of this discourse emphasizes that bhikkhus should not of their own accord go to solicit such items from strangers or from those who are not regular supporters of the monastery. Instead, they should report their needs to the senior bhikkhus or to the head of the Sangha, who will manage the solicitation in a manner that is appropriate and respectful toward the benefactors.
The discourse further stipulates that the requesting of oil must be carried out in a manner that is clear and straightforward, without concealment or violation of the other standards set forth in the Vinaya. This reflects the principle of moral purity (sīla) to which bhikkhus must adhere.
Practical Significance
Although the literal subject matter concerns the specific act of requesting oil, this discourse teaches a deeper lesson on Vinaya, Upright Mind, and Collective Responsibility.
🌏 The Buddhist canon is vast — some sūtras (such as comparative Vinaya across schools, or untranslated Tibetan-canon texts) have to this day NEVER been translated into Vietnamese or English by anyone, scholars included. Rather than leave it blank, Inti AI offers a FAITHFUL summary grounded in the tradition — from the sūtra's title, origin and essence — so you can still reach this rare part of the treasury. Whenever an original translation exists, the app shows the original first.
Translations belong to the translator/source credited above. The bilingual compilation, presentation, and AI translations compiled by Inti are © Inti Foundation. Please attribute when quoting; do not bulk-copy or use commercially without permission.