Lzh Mi Bi Pm Sk 52Receiving Even Level

An Explanation of the Samatittika Discourse (Samatittika Sutta)

Background

The Samatittika discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, one of the most profound collections governing the monastic community in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. The title “Receiving Even Level” reflects an ethical issue concerning how monks and nuns receive and handle property, especially money and basic requisites.

In the historical context of early Buddhism, the Buddha and his disciples established rules (Pātimokkha) to protect the integrity of the noble Sangha. These rules were not meant to restrict freedom, but to build trust, transparency, and equality within the community of practice. The Samatittika discourse concerns this principle, that is, equality in receiving and managing common property.

Main Content

Although the specific content of this discourse has not been fully translated in the available materials, the term “samatittika” (samā = equal; tittika = level, measure) indicates that the discourse discusses the principle of equality in the distribution of property or the receiving of basic requisites.

According to the Theravāda Vinaya tradition, monks and nuns are permitted to possess certain basic requisites, such as the three robes, a bowl, and a mat, but may not accumulate money, gold, or silver. The principle of “equal measure” is likely intended to ensure that all members of the noble Sangha are provided with necessities on an equal level, avoiding distinctions between rich and poor or personal favoritism.

This reflects the fundamental spirit of the Vinaya: “Lex aequalitatis,” the law of equality. In the noble Sangha, no one should receive greater material benefits because of worldly status or capacity to acquire wealth. Everyone follows the same standard and the same closeness to basic necessities.

Practical Meaning

The Samatittika discourse teaches us a profound lesson about fairness and the renunciation of greed (lobha).