Lzh Mu Bu Pm Np 21An Extra Almsbowl
Pāli / Sanskrit:Patta
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Exposition of the Sutta on the Extra Almsbowl (Patta)
Background
The text on the “extra almsbowl” (Patta) is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, reflecting the detailed regulations that the Buddha established to regulate the communal life of monks and nuns. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not a collection of lofty philosophical teachings, but the practical expression of the true Dharma in each concrete daily act and object.
The story concerning the almsbowl (patra, a bowl for receiving alms) arose from the practical needs of the early Sangha. The almsbowl is part of the minimal property of a monastic, not only a tool for survival but also a symbol of humility, lack of ostentation, and simplicity in spiritual life. The rule on the “extra almsbowl” arose when the Buddha needed to establish transparent principles concerning common property, personal ownership, and the handling of surplus items within the community.
Main Content
In the Vinaya context, the text on the extra almsbowl sets out principles for ownership, management, and use of the almsbowls of bhikkhus. The Buddha taught that each bhikkhu should own only one almsbowl suitable for himself. If a bhikkhu has more almsbowls than needed, the extras must be handled according to communal principles.
This rule is meant to prevent greed (lobha), one of the three poisons in the mind (moha, dosa, lobha). When a monastic unconsciously accumulates more possessions than necessary, the mind is covered by craving and thereby grows distant from the purpose of practice. Extra almsbowls must be entered into the common “store” of the Sangha (saṅghika bhāṇḍa), or given to other bhikkhus in need, or reused according to proper Vinaya procedure.
These regulations also reflect the principle of the “Fourfold Division of the Dharma” (catubhaṇḍa), the four kinds of common property of the Sangha.
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