Lzh Mu Bi Pm Pc 20Eating at a Public Guest-house
Pāli / Sanskrit:Āvasathapiṇḍa
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The Sutta on Eating at a Public Guest-house
Āvasathapiṇḍa - Pātimokkha Nissaggiya Pācittiya 20
Background
This sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically the Nissaggiya Pācittiya section, offenses for which one who has gone forth must first forfeit (nissaggiya) and then confess (pācittiya). These are regulations concerning proper conduct for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs in the course of practicing the path.
The background of this sutta is connected with situations in the life of study and practice at monasteries (vihāra). When bhikkhus travel or stay in public places, they may be received at guest-houses for travelers (āvasatha). The regulations in this sutta reflect the Buddha’s careful concern for the pure and diligent life of those who have gone forth, while also protecting the honor of the Saṅgha before the public.
Main Content
Nissaggiya Pācittiya 20 states: when a bhikkhu eats a meal at a public guest-house (āvasathapiṇḍa), if he receives a meal not from the host but from others, or receives additional portions of food (byañjana, side dishes), he must perform forfeiture (nissaggiya) by declaring that fault before the Saṅgha.
This regulation emphasizes the principle of "appropriateness" (yathāsannidhi) in receiving food. When at a public guest-house, a bhikkhu should receive only food provided by the host, avoiding situations that may lead to confusion or impropriety. This protects both personal purity and the honor of the Saṅgha, because the public might misunderstand the purpose and practice of those who have gone forth.
This offense is classified as Nissaggiya Pācittiya, meaning that the received item must be forfeited or handed back, and only afterward may confession be made. The difference from ordinary offenses (pācittiya) is that here there is an element of "forfeiture" that must be remedied.
Practical Meaning
The sutta teaches that pure practice does not lie only in the mind, but must also be expressed through concrete actions and ways of living.
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