Lzh Mu Bi Vb Sk 49Overlarge Mouthful
Pāli / Sanskrit:Nātimahanta
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The Nātimahanta Sutra — An Overlarge Mouthful
Background
The Nātimahanta Sutra is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, where the rules of practice for the Sangha are compiled in detail. These Vinaya texts arise from specific situations in the lives of bhikkhus, events in which the Buddha gave direct instruction and set forth rules to regulate conduct. The Nātimahanta Sutra concerns the eating of bhikkhus, a daily activity that nevertheless has deep significance for practice.
In the Vinaya Piṭaka, each rule originates from a specific event, often improper actions by certain bhikkhus that caused the Buddha to intervene and establish a rule. This sutra has the title "Overlarge Mouthful," suggesting that it concerns how those gone forth should eat: whether they should put too much food into the mouth at one time, or whether there are certain limits to be observed.
Main Content
The Nātimahanta Sutra guides bhikkhus in a way of eating appropriate to the life of practice. According to the Pāli tradition, the Buddha did not completely forbid ordinary eating and drinking, but guided one to eat with awareness and moderation. Eating is not for the enjoyment of pleasure, but only to sustain life, so that there is enough energy to practice the Dharma.
The rule on an "overlarge mouthful" (nātimahanta) encourages moderation in each bite. Bhikkhus should not put too much food into the mouth at one time, for this is not only undignified but may lead to unmindful actions, such as talking with the mouth full, eating hastily, or displaying greed for food. These are not trivial matters, but expressions of a state of mind unsuitable for one who has gone forth.
This sutra is part of the rules on eating (chhanda-bhojana) in the Vinaya, where every detail of the act of eating is attended to. The purpose is not to reject food, but to transform the way it is consumed into a mindful practice, in which the body is cared for without being drawn along by desire.
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