Lzh Mi Bu Pm Pd 3Receiving Food From Designated Families
Pāli / Sanskrit:Tatiyapāṭidesanīya
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Explanation of the Tatiyapāṭidesanīya Sutta
The Third Declaration Concerning Food from Designated Families
Background
Tatiyapāṭidesanīya is one of the provisions of the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. This sutta is directly related to the monastic rule, the Pātimokkha, and sets forth special restrictions on how bhikkhus receive food from families designated in advance.
The background for the arising of this rule comes from specific situations in the Sangha during the Buddha’s lifetime. Bhikkhus were sometimes chosen by particularly faithful families to be provided with daily food (piṇḍapāta). However, such situations could lead to favoritism, cause conflict in the Sangha, and weaken the faith of other families.
To maintain equality, purity, and freedom from disputes, the Blessed Buddha set forth Tatiyapāṭidesanīya, a public declaration of the conditions to be observed.
Main Content
The Tatiyapāṭidesanīya rule states that a bhikkhu should not regularly receive food from specific families or individuals “designated” (pāṭidesanā) to serve that monk. If a family wishes to provide food for a certain bhikkhu, this must be done openly and for a limited period, not as a permanent or secret arrangement.
The key point is to prevent the development of “preferential relationships” between bhikkhus and specific families. This protects the Sangha from suspicions of favoritism, especially criticisms that monks are “selling” the Dharma or nurturing relationships with wealthier families.
When a long-standing family wishes to provide food, they must publicly inform the Sangha or the abbot (ajahn/upajjhāya), and the period must be clearly determined. After this term ends, the relationship will either be formally renewed or brought to an end in a dignified manner.
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