Lzh Mu Bi Pm Pd 8Asking for Fish
Pāli / Sanskrit:Macchaviññāpana
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Macchaviññāpana Sutta (Asking for Fish)
Background
The Macchaviññāpana Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically among the virtuous monastic rules related to livelihood and the practice of monks and nuns. It is one of the teachings of the Buddha Gotama concerning the conduct of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs in the Sangha community, especially regarding livelihood and actions outside the scope of the basic precepts.
The background for this text is that monastics sought ways to sustain themselves. In Indian society in the time of the Dharma, alms-seeking (bhikkhus) was the main way bhikkhus maintained the life of practice. However, which specific actions accorded with the Noble Discipline, and which actions violated virtue, were questions the Buddha needed to clarify.
Main Content
The Macchaviññāpana Sutta concerns a bhikkhu asking for or requesting fish (maccha) from laypeople. This is not merely the simple act of seeking alms, but an issue of violating ethical principles in the course of livelihood.
According to the spirit of the Vinaya Piṭaka, bhikkhus should live by receiving alms from lay devotees without specifying a particular kind of food. Accepting what is given is an important part of virtuous conduct. However, when a bhikkhu actively requests a specific food such as fish, this may be considered a violation of the spirit of the Pātimokkha, the basic code of rules for bhikkhus.
The Buddha taught that asking specifically for fish may be considered inappropriate conduct, because it reflects an attitude of attachment to pleasant conditions or preferred habits. This contradicts the principle of renunciation, the abandoning of desires and attachment to the material world.
Practical Meaning
The Macchaviññāpana Sutta teaches us the importance of mindfulness in every smallest action of the life of practice.
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