Lzh Mi Bi Vb Pc 64Visiting Families Before a Meal
Pāli / Sanskrit:Cāritta
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The Discourse on Visiting Families Before a Meal
Background
This discourse originates in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, in the Pācittiya section, rules concerning lighter offenses that bhikkhus must observe. The Pācittiya rules were recorded to guide the Sangha to live in accordance with the purpose of renunciation: to remove expressions or actions that may diminish the faith of laypeople or cause disturbance to the life of practice.
This background (Cāritta) concerns the daily conduct and habits of bhikkhus in their interactions with lay families. In the Buddha's time, bhikkhus lived through the offerings of laypeople, so their conduct, speech, and actions directly affected people's respect and trust. This discourse is part of the rules received by the Sangha in order to maintain the clarity of the monastic community.
Main Content
This rule forbids bhikkhus from visiting lay families before mealtime, that is, in the morning from after dawn until the sun has just passed its zenith. This action is considered unsuitable for several reasons. First, visiting at this time can easily cause misunderstanding: people may think that the bhikkhus have come hoping to be invited to eat, or that they wish to "suggest" that the family prepare a meal for them. This conflicts with the spirit of almsround, according to which bhikkhus should go for alms naturally, without intentionally or covertly seeking offerings.
Second, visiting a family at this hour may disturb people who are preparing food and interrupt their daily work. Third, according to the understanding of ancient Buddhists, this action was considered lacking in subtlety and humility, qualities that a true bhikkhu should display.
The discourse prescribes that bhikkhus should visit families only at more appropriate times: after the meal has ended or at times not connected with the preparation of food.
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