Lzh Mi Bu Vb Sk 67Not Eat Screwing Up Nose

Interpretation of the Sutta “Not Eating While Wrinkling the Nose”

Context

This text belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Early Buddhist tradition, specifically among the Sikkhāpada, the training rules, in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, the rules of practice for female bhikkhus. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not a set of arbitrary prohibitions, but the result of specific situations that occurred in the Sangha, set forth by the Buddha to protect right conduct, maintain discipline, and form a code for communal life.

The prohibitions connected with eating, including this text, reflect the Buddha Dharma’s concern for self-control in daily activities. They are not only about the mechanics of food, but are directly related to discipline, respect, and the deportment of a practitioner.

Main Content

The sutta “Not Eating While Wrinkling the Nose” is a simple regulation with deep meaning: a bhikkhunī should not eat while the nose is contorted or while displaying improper facial expressions.

Outwardly, this may be understood as follows: while eating, the practitioner must maintain a graceful posture and not let the nose wrinkle or display other unusual facial expressions. This is not an unreasonable regulation, but part of the “Pātimokkha,” the rules concerning simplicity and cleanliness in daily life.

More deeply, it is related to the concepts of “abhaya” (fearlessness) and “samādhi” (concentration). While eating, the mind should be peaceful and the body composed. A wrinkled nose is often a sign of distraction, lack of mindfulness (sati), or even unpleasant emotions such as dislike or shame. This is contrary to the attitude of gratitude and respect toward food that practitioners should have.

Practical Meaning

This text teaches us that Buddhist practice includes even the smallest details of life. Eating is not only the nourishment of the body, but an opportunity to train the mind.