Lzh Mu Bu Pm Pc 33Accepting Two or Three Bowls Full

Text on Accepting Two or Three Bowls Full

Explanation According to the Traditional Vinaya

Background

This text is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, in the Pātimokkha section of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. The Vinaya Piṭaka is the body of books that lays down prohibitions and allowances in order to govern the life of monastics and maintain discipline and harmony in the community of practice. The Dvittipattapūrapaṭiggahaṇa text (Accepting Two or Three Bowls Full) was formulated to guide renunciants in receiving offerings according to circumstances, especially alms food.

The Buddha issued these regulations not to restrict, but to protect the purity of the Sangha and educate his disciples in the attitude appropriate to those gone forth. The practice of eating alms food is also an inseparable part of the Buddhist path of practice in Theravāda Buddhism.

Main Content

This text concerns the question of the number of bowls of food that a monk or nun should receive in a single almsround. Specifically, the text instructs that receiving two or three full bowls of food is suitable and in accordance with the discipline of practice.

This reflects the principle of the "Middle Way" (Majjhimā Paṭipadā), avoiding both extremes: not excessive asceticism, but also not craving food. Receiving enough food to maintain health, spirit, and the capacity to practice is the balance that the Buddha-Dharma teaches.

In the context of alms food, the renunciant should carefully choose the appropriate amount of food, without greed and without causing inconvenience to donors. Receiving two or three full bowls also expresses humility and respect for the offering mind of the donors.

The Vinaya Piṭaka records that the Buddha and his disciples practiced within an appointed time, a regulated period for almsround and eating. During that time, receiving a moderate amount of food is a proper act following the standards of the Sangha.