Lzh Mu Bi Pm Pc 153Serving Householders

THE SUTTA ON SERVING HOUSEHOLDERS

(Gihiveyyāvacca)

Background

The Gihiveyyāvacca Sutta is an important part of the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pācittiya section, the rules concerning offenses requiring confession. This sutta was composed in the context of the Buddha and his disciples being welcomed and supported by local people, especially householders (gihī). In the early period of the Saṅgha, the relationship between the monastic community and bodhisattva-like lay followers, those living in the world while studying the Buddha’s Dharma, was a key factor.

In the course of almsround and daily life, monks were often invited into the homes of householders to receive support or to carry out tasks of repair and teaching the Dharma. The Gihiveyyāvacca Sutta guides how monastics should conduct themselves when being served by householders, in order to protect the discipline, maintain respect, and build a sound ethical relationship between the Saṅgha and the worldly community.

Main Content

This sutta sets out conduct that monastics must avoid when being received and served by householders. In particular, monks should not take advantage of the hospitality of householders to satisfy improper personal desires, whether for food, lodging, or other comforts.

The sutta emphasizes that accepting support from householders must be accompanied by clear awareness (sampajañña) and humility. Monastics must clearly understand the true purpose of such support: it is intended to sustain their practice, not to seek comfort or fame. Actions such as making excessive requests for unnecessary things, accepting gifts beyond the rules, or showing preference toward certain householders over others are all regarded as violations of monastic principles.

The regulation in this sutta also protects householders from being unfairly exploited, thereby preserving their faith in the Saṅgha.