Lzh Mi Bi Pm Pc 171Start Eating Without Invitation

Explanation of the Discourse: Starting to Eat Without Being Invited

Background

This rule appears in the Pātimokkha, especially in the Pācittiya section, where offenses requiring confession are prescribed. The context arose from a specific incident in the bhikkhu community during the time of the Buddha. The Buddha's disciples, while going about seeking alms, sometimes acted improperly, automatically beginning to eat before being invited by the householder or before receiving permission from the person in charge of the communal meal at the monastery.

This action was regarded as failing in respect and humility (appamāda, satipaṭṭhāna), two basic qualities in Buddhist discipline. "Eating on one's own initiative" without invitation or permission, even within the monastic community, violates the spirit of training in voluntary patience and obedience to collective order. Therefore, the Buddha established a specific training rule to regulate this conduct.

Main Content

According to Pācittiya 171, a monk must not begin eating on his own initiative before being invited or permitted by the householder or the person managing the meal. This applies especially in the context of communal meals at a monastery or when invited to a meal by laypeople.

The rule clearly states that if a monk begins to approach or eat food before being permitted or invited, he commits a pācittiya offense, a lighter offense than pārājika, but still one requiring formal confession (āpatti). This fault does not destroy the discipline, but must be acknowledged and purified through the rite of confession with the Sangha.

The basic principle is respect for the right of the donor of food, observance of social order, and expression of humility. The monk must wait for the support of the host, follow the direction of the elders, and not decide on his own whether he may eat.

Practical Meaning

More deeply, this training rule teaches about the nature of greed (lobha) and delusion (moha).