Lzh Mi Bi Pm Sk 64Overlarge Mouthful
Pāli / Sanskrit:Nātimahanta
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The Nātimahanta Discourse: On an Overlarge Mouthful
Background
The Nātimahanta discourse, meaning “not too large” or “an overlarge mouthful,” appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically among the disciplinary rules for monastics in Early Buddhism. These are provisions concerning inappropriate behavior by bhikkhus, with special emphasis on offenses related to conduct and way of life.
The Vinaya Piṭaka was compiled to protect and maintain the purity of the Sangha, and to help bhikkhus practice according to the Path. The regulations in the Vinaya are not arbitrary prohibitions, but teachings arising from the wisdom of the Blessed Buddha, given in response to concrete situations that occurred in the monastic community.
Main Content
Although the title of this discourse is very distinctive, “Overlarge Mouthful,” it reflects a profound principle in the Vinaya: refinement and moderation in carrying out the rules of practice. This discourse teaches that bhikkhus should not do anything excessively or go beyond the boundaries of what is appropriate.
According to the pattern of the Vinaya Piṭaka, rules are often explained through specific stories about bhikkhus who committed offenses. The Nātimahanta discourse teaches that eating, speaking, or doing anything with an “overlarge mouth,” that is, beyond a reasonable limit, is not in keeping with the conduct of a bhikkhu. This emphasizes the basic ethical principle of moderation, heedfulness (appamāda), and balance (majjhattā).
The Vinaya teaches that a bhikkhu must know moderation in all things. When receiving food, he should not eat too much; when speaking, he should not utter coarse or excessively lengthy words; when acting, he must consider each step. The idea of an “overlarge mouth” is a fine image expressing lack of control and greed, things contrary to the five precepts (pañcasīla) and noble conduct.
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