Lzh Mg Bi Vb Pc 24Encouraging Another Monastic to Eat More After Refusing an Invitation

Exposition of the Dutiyapavāraṇā Sutta

Context

This text is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pācittiya section — the rules of conduct whose violation gives rise to a Pācittiya offense (a category of offense requiring confession and repentance). The Dutiyapavāraṇā is a particular detail within the regulations governing conduct among monastics, especially as it relates to receiving hospitality and sharing meals.

This context arises when the Buddha observed that certain bhikkhus (monks) in the monastery were behaving in ways inconsistent with the spirit of the training. Specifically, when a bhikkhu declined a meal invitation from a householder or lay supporter, other bhikkhus would encourage that person to eat more, or attempt to persuade him to accept the invitation again. This behavior, though it may appear at first glance to be motivated by affection or concern, in fact violates the training principle of self-restraint and proper measure.

Main Content

In the Dutiyapavāraṇā, the Buddha established the rule that when a bhikkhu has already declined a meal invitation after being invited once, other bhikkhus should not encourage or persuade him to eat more. This is formulated as a specific rule within the Pācittiya, with the purpose of upholding discipline and the proper spirit of training.

The reasoning behind this rule is profound. First, it respects the self-determination (attakkhara) of each monastic — the capacity to decide for oneself regarding one's own needs. Second, it prevents a superficial form of encouragement in matters of eating and drinking, which could give rise to greed (lobha) or cause one to lose sight of the purpose of the training. Third, this rule protects householders — those who provide food — from confusion and inconvenience arising when bhikkhus lack a unified sense of resolve.

In the spirit of the Vinaya Piṭaka, the taking of meals within the Sangha is neither a trivial nor a significant matter in itself, but rather a volitional act (cetanā). When a bhikkhu has declined, that refusal reflects a conscious decision on his part, and no one else should interfere with that decision by way of encouragement or persuasion.