Lzh Mg Bi Pm Sk 46Mouth Full
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sakabaḷa
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THE DISCOURSE OF THE MOUTHFUL — SAKABAḶA
Background
The Sakabaḷa Sutta (Mouthful) is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically within the section of the Bhikkhu Pātimokkha — the collection of fundamental regulations for bhikkhus. This code of discipline was compiled after the Blessed One's Parinirvāṇa, preserving the teachings and rules of practice that he had established in order to protect the Sangha and ensure the purity of the monastic community.
This discourse arose from a specific incident during the time when the Buddha still dwelt in the world. Bhikkhus had not properly observed the rules pertaining to eating, particularly the manner of conduct during communal meals at the monastery. These infractions not only caused disharmony within the Sangha but also provided occasion for those outside the order to voice sharp criticism. Accordingly, the Blessed One established clear rules to guide bhikkhus in proper conduct during the course of eating.
Principal Content
The Sakabaḷa Sutta concerns the maintenance of purity in the eating conduct of bhikkhus. Specifically, this discourse addresses situations in which a bhikkhu stuffs the mouth overfull with food, or eats in a manner that is ungracious, failing to sustain concentration and mindfulness. These were not isolated occurrences, but reflected practical matters that the Blessed One found it necessary to address.
According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, eating is not merely a physiological need but is itself an act of practice. Every step — from the regarding of food, the inhaling of its aroma, to the chewing and swallowing — ought to be carried out with mindfulness (sati), clear comprehension (sampajañña), and restraint of the sense faculties (indriya saṃvara).
The discourse points out that a bhikkhu should not eat in a greedy manner, should not overfill the mouth, nor eat food in an improper way. This is regarded as part of the rule against eating at forbidden times — vikālabhojanā veramaṇī — and of the regulations pertaining to self-restraint in eating.
Practical Significance
The Sakabaḷa Sutta reminds us that everyday actions, including eating, are all opportunities for practice.
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