Lzh Mu Bi Pm Pc 24Eating in a Group
Pāli / Sanskrit:Gaṇabhojana
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EXPOSITION OF THE GAṆABHOJANA SUTTA (EATING TOGETHER IN A GROUP)
Background
The Gaṇabhojana Sutta appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition of the Buddha’s Dharma, specifically in the Pātimokkha, the code of discipline. This code was composed on the basis of the rules the Buddha taught bhikkhus during the course of spreading the Dharma, in order to protect and regulate the Saṅgha.
The Gaṇabhojana rule arose from practical situations in the collective life of bhikkhus. In the early days, when the Saṅgha did not yet have its own established procedures, much loss and disharmony arose from the way meals were eaten and communal life was conducted. The Buddha realized that disciplined eating not only contributes to individual practice, but also maintains the harmony, dignity, and discipline of the entire Saṅgha.
Main Content
The Gaṇabhojana Sutta (eating in a group) prescribes that when bhikkhus eat together in one place, they must follow certain principles in order to maintain discipline and dignity. Specifically, this rule concerns eating in an orderly way, avoiding greed, not eating beyond a reasonable portion, and not disturbing others.
The rule emphasizes that eating is not for satisfying lust or craving (taṇhā, "thirst" or desire), but for survival and the maintenance of health so that one may continue on the path of practice. When eating together, each bhikkhu must clearly recollect: "I eat to nourish the body, to endure hardship, to perform wholesome activity, and to practice the path." This is the way of practice of the wise.
In addition, the rule prevents disorderly conduct such as eating messily, eating too quickly with the mouth full, or greedily reaching toward a shared dish. Such behavior easily causes discomfort to others and breaks the quiet dignity of the communal meal.
Practical Meaning
The deeper meaning of Gaṇabhojana goes beyond "eating in an orderly way."
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