Lzh Mi Bi Vb Sk 56Licking the Bowl
Pāli / Sanskrit:Pattanillehaka
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The Discourse on Licking the Bowl (Pattanillehaka)
Context
The Discourse on Licking the Bowl is part of the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Pāli Canon, located among the daily rules of the Sangha. The content of the discourse concerns matters that may seem minor but bear deep significance for the attitude of practice of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. This discourse was recorded to clarify standards of behavior related to the handling of food, especially the manner of eating and what is done after eating.
The background for the appearance of this discourse is connected with situations in early monastic life, when bhikkhus practiced almsgoing and ate according to the rules. This is a section of the discipline that the Buddha established to educate his disciples in mental discipline and respect for food.
Main Content
The Discourse on Licking the Bowl instructs that bhikkhus should not lick or scrape the eating bowl clean by licking or by using unsuitable means. This action is regarded as lacking discipline (asanthusita), not fitting the status of a practitioner, and contrary to the spirit of ascetic restraint (dhutaṅga) that bhikkhus should follow.
The underlying reason is not merely a matter of greed or gluttony (lobha), but a matter related to focused attention and restraint of the sense faculties. When a bhikkhu licks the bowl in order to consume every last bit of food, that action shows excessive attachment to food and material things, which runs counter to the aim of the Noble Path: liberation from craving (taṇhā).
This rule also reflects the principle of "mitabhojana" (moderation in eating), one of the important practices of Buddhism. Eating in a refined and disciplined way, without greedy nibbling after the main meal has ended, is the expression of a well-cultivated mind.
Practical Meaning
The Discourse on Licking the Bowl teaches us that the Vinaya does not concern only great actions, but also the smallest details of daily life. Every gesture and every action in eating and drinking is an opportunity to cultivate the mind and restrain the sense faculties (indriya samvara).
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