Lzh Mi Bu Vb Pc 40Giving Food to Ascetics
Pāli / Sanskrit:Acelaka
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The Text on Giving Food to Non-Buddhist Ascetics (Acelaka)
Background
This text belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically the Pātimokkha of the Nuns' Code (Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha), among the regulations concerning minor offenses requiring remorse and confession (Pācittiya). Its content concerns guidance on how bhikkhunīs should conduct themselves in providing food to ascetics outside the Buddhist dispensation, especially those who are unclothed or informal ascetics (acelaka).
In the context of India in the Buddha's time, besides the formal religious community there were many independent ascetic groups, persons living the ascetic life but not following the strict rules of the Buddhist Sangha. The discipline laid down by the Buddha needed to be clear regarding forms of communication, support, and provision of resources to these outsiders.
Main Content
Pācittiya rule number 40 concerns a bhikkhunī providing food (bhojana) to acelakas. The word "acelaka" in its root form refers to irregular ascetics, "loose" ascetics, or those not following orthodox Buddhism. Such persons might be followers of Brahmanism or of other independent ascetic schools.
According to this rule, if a bhikkhunī personally gives food to acelakas without any assignment or intermediary, this may create spiritual and ethical dangers. The basic reason is: first, the act may give a false impression of the Sangha's endorsement of other schools; second, it may lead to unnecessary relationships or situations likely to give rise to controversy.
The proper handling is that a bhikkhunī may provide food through a neutral intermediary, such as a layman or laywoman, an upāsaka or upāsikā, or by placing the food somewhere the acelaka may take it without direct interaction. This both protects the spirit of the Sangha and allows a compassionate act to be carried out responsibly.
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