Lzh Mg Bu Pm Sk 34Licking the Bowl
Pāli / Sanskrit:Pattanillehaka
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Licking the Bowl (Pattanillehaka)
An Exposition According to the Theravāda Tradition
Background
The Pattanillehaka Sutta (ທັ້ງที่ลq บาตร) from the Vinaya Piṭaka is a record of the training rules for bhikkhus within the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. The Vinaya was preserved from the teachings of the Buddha Śākyamuni, with the purpose of regulating proper conduct for the monastic community—those who have gone forth from the household life in pursuit of liberation.
The historical context of this text originates from the early period of the Saṅgha, during the lifetime of the Buddha or shortly after his Parinirvāṇa. At that time, the monastic community was growing rapidly, and it became necessary to establish rules in order to maintain discipline and to ensure that the conduct of bhikkhus accorded with the spirit of practice and the welfare of the Buddhist community.
Principal Content
The Pattanillehaka addresses the act of licking the alms bowl with the tongue after eating (patta = bowl, illehaka = licking). This is an action that may appear minor, yet it carries deep significance in the practice of a bhikkhu.
According to the regulations of the Vinaya Piṭaka, bhikkhus are instructed in the virtue of humility with regard to eating. The act of licking the bowl is not born of greed for food, but relates to the question of mindfulness, moderation, and respect for nourishment—that which is precious and has been provided by lay supporters. Not wasting food is regarded as a form of respect toward generosity and ethical conduct.
However, the Vinaya Piṭaka also does not encourage this act if it is performed in an improper manner or with a mind imbued with craving. The balance between gratitude and humility is the key. The text emphasizes that the purpose of eating is not to gratify the sense of taste, but to sustain the health of the body so that one may continue to cultivate the Dharma.
Practical Significance
The Pattanillehaka teaches us an important lesson about mindfulness and moderation in the actions of daily life.
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