Lzh Mi Bi Vb Pd 4Asking for Molasses

Discourse on Asking for Molasses (Phāṇitaviññāpana)

Background

The Discourse on Asking for Molasses belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, in the Pātimokkha Sutta section. These are regulations concerning the minimal life of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs in the Sangha of the Buddha Śākyamuni.

The Vinaya Piṭaka is not a set of arbitrary prohibitions, but training rules established gradually from specific events that occurred. Each regulation arose from a particular situation, from which the Buddha set forth guidance to protect the purity, discipline, and unity of the monastic community. This discourse speaks about a very practical issue: how to ask for and use supplemental nutrients such as molasses (phāṇita) or other sweet substances.

In the Buddha’s time, bhikkhus lived by receiving food from householders or devout supporters who willingly offered it. Yet there were times when the body needed special supplemental nourishment to maintain health, especially in sickness or weakness. The question arose: could a bhikkhu ask for or seek these things on his own, or must he wait for them to be offered?

Main Content

The Discourse on Asking for Molasses stipulates that a bhikkhu may ask for molasses or other syrups, such as honey, and other sweet supplements to maintain health, but only when truly necessary, such as when ill, malnourished, or according to his medicine (bhesajja). What is important is that the manner of asking must be proper: one must not ask greedily, must not seek it out for the satisfaction of personal desire, and must follow the courteous forms of the Sangha community.

This regulation also prevents bhikkhus from becoming self-indulgent and concerned only with personal comfort. The purpose of the monastic life is not to seek delicious things, but to maintain the minimum health necessary to continue diligently practicing the path toward nirvana (Nibbāna).