Lzh Mi Bu Pm Sk 70Mouth Full

THE DISCOURSE ON A FULL MOUTH (Sakabaḷa)

Background

The Discourse on a Full Mouth (Sakabaḷa) is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. The Vinaya Piṭaka is the collection that establishes the rules of training and communal life for the community of monks and nuns, instituted by the Buddha in response to specific events in the life of practice.

This discourse concerns regulations on eating and the conduct of those who have gone forth. Its setting is usually connected with situations in the monastic community when they receive food from laypeople or during the morning alms meal. The regulations in the Vinaya Piṭaka are not merely prohibitions, but educational teachings intended to train the mind and develop noble qualities.

Main Content

The specific content of this discourse has not yet been fully translated in the present materials. However, based on the context of the Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka, the Sakabaḷa discourse, “A Full Mouth,” is connected with rules concerning the manner of eating and conduct within the monastic community.

According to the Pāli Canon tradition, regulations on eating are not unreasonable restrictions, but are intended to educate the minds of practitioners. These rules were established to help those who have gone forth:

First, to train in restraint of the faculties (indriya samvara), one of the important factors on the path of practice. Eating carefully and mindfully helps nourish the body sufficiently for practice without falling into greed or wastefulness.

Second, the regulations on eating help maintain harmony in the Saṅgha. When all members observe common rules, the community is harmonious, disputes are reduced, and a favorable environment is created for collective practice.

Third, these rules are expressions of contentment and restraint, two basic virtues in Buddhism. One who has gone forth does not live in order to eat, but eats in order to live for practice and liberation.