Lzh Mu Bi Pm Pc 21Accepting Two or Three Bowls Full
Pāli / Sanskrit:Dvittipattapūrapaṭiggahaṇa
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Exposition of the Dvittipattapūrapaṭiggahaṇa Sutta
Accepting Two or Three Bowls Full
Background
This sutta is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition of the Buddha’s Dharma, specifically in the Pātimokkha section, the basic ethical code for bhikkhus. The sutta concerns an important regulation about how food is received and how simplicity is maintained in the monastic way of life.
The background arose when the Buddha saw that some bhikkhus began to be greedy in receiving alms-food from donors. Instead of accepting food with a mind of compassion and gratitude, some began seeking to receive more than was necessary, leading to attachment to desire. The Buddha therefore gave specific guidance to protect the purity of mind and discipline of monastics.
Main Content
This sutta prescribes that bhikkhus should accept only two or three full bowls of food from donors, except in special circumstances. This rule is not about the absolute quantity of food each person consumes, but about attitude and manner of receiving.
Limiting the number of bowls accepted aims to restrain desire and avoid the appearance of greed before donors. It reflects a basic principle of Buddhist monastics: living simply, not seeking luxury, and practicing self-restraint. This regulation also shows respect for the compassion of donors, not exploiting them to satisfy personal desire.
In this context, accepting only two or three bowls does not mean that the monastic eats only that amount, but is an expression of the spirit of practice. After receiving, the bhikkhu may share with others or adjust the amount of food according to actual need.
Practical Meaning
This regulation has profound meaning for spiritual cultivation. It teaches that monastics should not allow the senses to govern their actions, especially in situations that easily stimulate desire.
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