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Exposition of the Kabaḷāvacchedaka Sutra (The Sutra on Dividing Mouthfuls)

Background

The Kabaḷāvacchedaka Sutra is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, the collection of rules that monks and nuns must observe in order to maintain the discipline of the Sangha. This sutra relates to matters of daily practice in the Buddhist community, especially things to be attended to when receiving food in communal life.

The term "Kabaḷāvacchedaka" may be translated as "those who divide mouthfuls" or "cutting portions of food." In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, these are regulations concerning the handling of food, especially the ethical aspects of sharing, avoiding waste, and maintaining cleanliness in the monastic community. These regulations arose from specific situations encountered by the Buddha and his disciples and were then recorded as educational precedents.

The Vinaya Piṭaka is not only a set of rigid rules, but also lessons in compassion, self-restraint, and mutual respect. Every regulation has its source in the Buddha's love and care for the Sangha.

Main Content

The Kabaḷāvacchedaka Sutra deals with practical situations related to dividing portions of food, especially foods difficult to divide, such as rice, meat, vegetables, or sticky substances. The sutra stipulates that those serving in food management must be careful when dividing portions, avoid waste, and ensure that everyone is allocated food fairly.

The main emphasis is fairness and responsibility: those assigned the task of dividing food do not merely serve a material need, but express the principle of Dhamma, fairness and non-discrimination. This sutra also implicitly guides how to resolve small disputes that may arise from uneven portioning.

Furthermore, these regulations reflect the communal philosophy of the Sangha, where no one is favored or neglected. This is an expression of the principle of Sangha, a harmonious community in which every member is equally respected and cared for.