Lzh Mu Bi Pm Sk 61Stuffing Cheeks

The Avagaṇḍakāraka Sutra (The Sutra on Stuffing the Cheeks)

Background

In the Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka, the rules of conduct for the Bhikkhunī Sangha are recorded in detail in order to protect the purity and discipline of the community of practice. The Avagaṇḍakāraka Sutra (Pāli: avagaṇḍa = cheek; kāraka = the act of making) records a rule related to improper conduct in the eating habits of nuns.

This context arose when the Buddha became aware that some nuns had engaged in conduct inappropriate to virtue, specifically deliberately stuffing food into their cheeks in order to make themselves look innocent or to more easily conceal dishonest actions. This act was considered a form of maneuvering (chanda) or falsehood in nature, and from this the Buddha gave instruction on the rule concerning it.

Main Content

This sutra belongs to the detailed legal section of the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, the collection of disciplinary rules for nuns. The Avagaṇḍakāraka rule stipulates that nuns must not deliberately stuff food into their cheeks; this act is regarded as a subtle violation of the spirit of practice.

The deeper reason for this rule is not merely a matter of outward etiquette, but also concerns the mind of the monastic. Stuffing the cheeks demonstrates a lack of truthfulness, an attempt to create a false image, or unclear intentions. Within the framework of the Bhikkhunī Sangha’s discipline, all actions of body, speech, and mind must arise from purity (sīla) and mindfulness (sati).

The sutra records details concerning the specific cases in which this act occurred, the conditions (saṅkhāra) involved, and the corresponding disciplinary consequences. This is part of a comprehensive legal system intended to guide nuns to live with mindfulness in each moment.

Practical Meaning

Although this rule may seem detailed and specific, its meaning goes beyond the physical act. The Avagaṇḍakāraka Sutra teaches us the importance of truthfulness (sacca) in every action, however small.