Lzh Mu Bi Vb Sk 50Round Mouthful

The Parimaṇḍala Sutra (Vinaya Piṭaka)

Background

The Parimaṇḍala Sutra (from Pāli pari, around, and maṇḍala, circle) is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition. It is part of the detailed regulations on monastic discipline (Vinaya), specifically relating to small details in the daily life of those who have gone forth.

The background takes place in the time of the Buddha, when his disciples were still discovering the best ways to practice. Bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs did not focus only on meditation and wisdom, but were also instructed in conduct, practices of eating and drinking, and essential daily activities. These rules, though they appear minor, deeply bring purity and concentration to the mind.

Main Content

This sutra concerns the way the bowl and food are used in the minimalist life of monastics. The phrase "Parimaṇḍala" ("round mouthful") relates to the way a bhikkhu should eat in a balanced manner, neither too greedy nor wasteful. The Buddha taught that eating and drinking are not for enjoying pleasure or satisfying desire, but only to maintain health and the energy for practice. This is why the Vinaya rules are very detailed about how food and drink are received and how they are handled.

The specific regulations in this part of the Vinaya Piṭaka instruct bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs not to leave leftover food scattered about, but to keep it orderly and careful. The quality of "roundness" here signifies completeness, fittingness, neither too much nor too little. This reflects the principle of the "Middle Way" (Majjhimā Paṭipadā) taught by the Buddha, avoiding the two extremes of extravagance and self-mortification.

Practical Meaning

From the perspective of modern practice, Parimaṇḍala is not only a rule of physical discipline but also a lesson in mindfulness (sati) and clear comprehension (sampajañña).