Lzh Mg Bu Vb Sk 29Overlarge Mouthful
Pāli / Sanskrit:Nātimahanta
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– MAHĀSĀṂGHIKA VINAYA
– EXPLICATING THE BEGINNING PORTION OF THE SEKHIYA RULES:
– EXPLICATING THE REMAINING PORTION OF THE SEKHIYA RULES.
29. "A rule to be trained in: One must not eat overlarge mouthfuls of rice."
It must not be too large, and it must not be too small — in the manner of a dissolute woman taking just a few grains, two or three grains at a time — but one must eat mouthfuls of rice that are of a size fitting for the mouth. If a bhikkhu is eating plain steamed rice and fills his mouth completely, there is no offense. If, however, through lack of restraint of the sense faculties one eats overlarge mouthfuls of rice, this constitutes disregard for the rule to be trained in. Excepting cases where the mind is deranged, there is no offense. Therefore it is said:
"A rule to be trained in: One must not eat overlarge mouthfuls of rice."
When the Buddha was dwelling in the city of Sāvatthī, as described in full above. At that time a householder came to the monastery to offer a meal to the Saṅgha. While eating, the group of six bhikkhus opened their mouths wide and waited with open mouths to receive the rice, and were mocked by people of the world:
—Why do Samaṇas, sons of the Sākyan, behave like dissolute persons — like tortoises, frogs, and toads — opening their mouths wide and waiting to receive food? These are depraved individuals; what virtue or conduct do they possess!
The bhikkhus then brought the matter and reported it to the Blessed One. The Buddha immediately ordered the group of six bhikkhus to be summoned. When they arrived, the Buddha asked:
—Is it true that you did this?
—It is true, Blessed One.
—From this day forward, you must not open your mouths wide and wait with open mouths to receive food.
Thereupon the Buddha commanded all the bhikkhus dwelling in the city of Sāvatthī to assemble together, and for the sake of ten benefits he laid down this rule for the bhikkhus — so that even those who have already heard it must hear it again:
Vietnamese translation: Thích Phước Sơn. MAHĀSĀṂGHIKA VINAYA
Chinese translation: TRIPIṬAKA BUDDHABHADRA OF INDIA
TOGETHER WITH ŚRAMAṆA FAXIAN, TRANSLATED DURING THE EASTERN JIN DYNASTY
Verification of meaning: Thích Đỗng Minh
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