Lzh Mi Bi Vb Pc 28Storing Food
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sannidhikāraka
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EXPLANATION OF THE SANNIDHIKĀRAKA SUTTA (STORING FOOD)
Background
The Sannidhikāraka Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, the explanation of the rules for bhikkhunīs. This sutta was recorded from the time when the Buddha was still living, when he established rules of practice for bhikkhunīs in order to protect a pure and focused life.
The term “Sannidhikāraka” (storing food) refers to the act of keeping food, drink, or other provisions for later use. This is not a minor matter: it is directly related to the discipline of the Buddhist community and the spirit of renouncing impure desire among monastics, especially bhikkhunīs.
Main Content
According to the Theravāda tradition, storing food is considered a violation of the Pācittiya rule, a type of offense that must be acknowledged and confessed before the community. The sutta states clearly: bhikkhunīs must not store food with the intention of saving it for later meals, except in specially permitted cases.
The exceptions include difficult situations: if the region has no place providing food, if supporters live far away, or if a sick monastic needs special food. However, these cases must follow strict conditions and must not be abused.
This rule is based on a core Buddhist principle: bhikkhunīs live by alms given from the loving faith of the lay community and should not accumulate property like laypeople. Storing food is regarded as an expression of greed (lobha) and fear about the future, factors that obstruct spiritual development.
Practical Meaning
The Sannidhikāraka Sutta teaches us a profound lesson about the psychology of practice. Not storing food is not only an external rule of conduct; it reflects faith in the Buddha-Dharma and confidence that monastics are protected by beings and by the lay community.
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