Lzh Mu Bi Vb Sk 45Na anāgate khādanīyabhojanīye pātram upanāmayiṣyāma

Exposition of the Sutra on Not Presenting the Bowl for Food to Come

Background

This sutra belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, specifically in the Mahāvagga or in legal sections related to the management of material objects and property of the Sangha. Its content centers on an important disciplinary rule concerning how to handle implements used for eating, especially bowls and utensils for meals.

The background arose from specific situations in the early community of monks and nuns. The Buddha prescribed that in the future, eating implements should not be displayed or made public unnecessarily. This concerns not only material discipline but also expresses the spirit of Buddhist practice: not displaying things, not clinging to material objects, and maintaining awareness in every daily action.

Main Content

The sentence "Na anāgate khādanīyabhojanīye pātram upanāmayiṣyāma" may be translated: "In the future, we will not present or place forward the bowl for edible food and meals."

This means that monks and nuns should not deliberately place bowls, eating implements, or portions of food in prominent or public positions, especially before meals or events. This rule is intended to avoid:

First, attachment to material implements. In Buddhist practice, monastics must keep a psychological distance from objects, even though they still need to use them for life. Not displaying them and not placing them prominently helps reduce attention and attachment.

Second, avoiding an unsuitable impression. If bowls or food are set out ready and conspicuous, this may arouse desire in the mind or create the impression of luxury, which is not fitting for the simple life of one gone forth.

Third, maintaining awareness and mindfulness (sati). By not automatically placing these objects in public, monks and nuns are reminded that eating and drinking are only physiological needs, not activities for seeking pleasure or personal satisfaction.