Lzh Mu Bi Pm Sk 44Not Eat With Bent Fingers

The Sutra on Not Eating with Bent Fingers

Background

This sutra is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, in the section on daily rules of conduct for monks and nuns in Early Buddhism. These rules were established by the Buddha Śākyamuni on the basis of understanding the karma of actions, worldly propriety, and mutual support within the monastic community.

The Vinaya Piṭaka does not regulate only major moral faults, but also gives detailed guidance on small actions in eating, wearing robes, and daily communication. These rules reflect the philosophy that Buddhist practice embraces the whole of life, from the greatest matters to the most ordinary details. By observing these principles, bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs train the mind and gradually remove scattered and heedless habits.

Main Content

This sutra stipulates that while eating, monastics must not let their fingers become bent or curled in a coarse or careless manner. The manner of eating should be dignified and refined, with the hand straightened and the fingers open, especially when holding food or using the rice bowl.

The act of bending the fingers may arise from various causes: awkwardly sweeping through food, or making an undignified gesture. The Buddha points out that such gestures not only create an impolite impression on others, but also reflect an unfocused mind lacking mindfulness in each moment. When eating with bent fingers, a monastic may easily appear hurried, greedy, or irritated, states of mind unsuitable to the life of practice.

This rule is also related to the skill of communal living. A Sangha lives collectively and shares the common bowl of rice. Each person’s way of eating affects the feelings of those around them. If someone always bends the fingers, and the gesture appears greedy or impatient, it may disturb the pure atmosphere of the communal meal.