Lzh Mi Bi Pm Sk 77Covering With Rice

The Odanappaṭicchādana Discourse — Covering Rice

Background

The Odanappaṭicchādana discourse (Covering Rice) belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda Buddha-Dharma tradition and is recorded in detail among the training rules of the Sangha. This is one of the subtle matters connected with the daily life of bhikkhus, those who have gone forth to train according to the Buddha’s teaching.

The discourse was given by the Blessed Buddha when he saw that some bhikkhus were not careful in the way they handled food, especially cooked rice (odana). This is not simply a matter of hygiene, but an expression of a lack of mindfulness (sati), a lack of respect for food, and a lack of respect for the labor of those who provide it. The act of covering rice properly reflects the deep purpose of Buddhist practice: limiting craving, protecting the conditions of life, and cultivating the spirit.

Main Content

According to the rule set forth in the discourse, a bhikkhu must cover or protect cooked rice properly. This includes not leaving rice exposed for a long time in the sun, not allowing it to be wasted or soiled, and not allowing insects or other animals to damage it. If a bhikkhu does not observe this rule, he violates one of the provisions in the Pāṭimokkha.

The act of “covering” here is understood broadly: it includes finding a suitable place to preserve food, placing it in appropriate containers, or, if that is not possible, having someone watch over it. This ensures that food is used reasonably and is not wasted. More importantly, this rule teaches bhikkhus about managing the property of the Sangha, the requisites offered by laypeople with faith, with care and responsibility.

The discourse also reflects the principle of the Fourth Basis of Spiritual Power: the efforts that apply will in order to prevent the unwholesome. Carefulness in the smallest details of daily life is a way of practicing right concentration (sammāsamādhi) in practical activities.