Lzh Mi Bi Pm Pc 64Visiting Families Before a Meal

Explanation of the Cāritta Sutta

On Visiting Families Before a Meal

Background

The Cāritta Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, the collection of ethical and disciplinary rules for bhikkhus. This sutta is recorded in the Pātimokkha section, the strict rules of the Buddhist Sangha.

The content of this sutta concerns the conduct of bhikkhus when visiting families who have generated faith and offer food. This is one of the specific rules, reflecting the spirit of the Buddha-Dharma in social interaction as well as in the daily life of those gone forth. The name “Cāritta” (admonition, norm) indicates behaviors that monastics should not, or are not permitted to, perform.

The background for the arising of this sutta comes from specific situations that emerged in the Sangha community during the Buddha’s lifetime. When bhikkhus visited the families of laypeople for alms or before accepting an invitation to a meal, proper conduct was needed to protect the community’s faith and maintain the ethics of the discipline.

Main Content

The Cāritta Sutta lays down that bhikkhus should not engage in improper conduct when visiting families before a meal. Specifically, these rules concern:

First, bhikkhus need to preserve their robes, posture, and conduct in a dignified manner, not loosely or disrespectfully. When entering a layperson’s home, respect should be shown through action and speech.

Second, they should not take advantage of the family’s faith to seek unnecessary things or demand more than what is needed. Humility is a core virtue. A bhikkhu should receive only what is offered joyfully and should not display greed or fastidiousness about the kind of food.

Third, the rules concerning time and conduct within the household are also emphasized, so as not to trouble the householders or disturb ordinary family activities. Sincerity and humility are the core spirit.