Lzh Mu Bu Vb Sk 45Nopari khādanīyabhojanīyasya pātraṁ dhārayiṣyāma

Explanation of the Sutta on the Bowl for Holding Food

Background

This sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda tradition, the legal regulations governing the life of the Sangha. The Vinaya Piṭaka was compiled to guide bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs in keeping pure discipline and supporting the process of liberation through practice.

The content of this sutta concerns the use of the bowl (pātraṁ), an essential implement of one gone forth. The bowl is not only an object, but also a symbol of simplicity and non-attachment in monastic life. The question “How shall we keep the bowl for holding food?” reflects the sincerity of the Sangha in maintaining internal discipline and respecting shared property.

The historical background shows that these regulations arose from specific situations that occurred in the early community of monks and nuns. When a problem arose, the Blessed One would give guidance, from which the rules (pātimokkha) that the community needed to observe were formed.

Main Content

This sutta focuses on the use and protection of the bowl, the implement from which bhikkhus eat rice. The phrase “Nopari khādanīyabhojanīyasya pātraṁ dhārayiṣyāma” may be translated as “Shall we not keep another way to carry the bowl for food, or shall we keep it?”

This is a distinctive educational method in the Vinaya Piṭaka: instead of simply issuing a command, the Blessed One poses a question so that the Sangha may become aware of its responsibility. This questioning encourages reflection and voluntary commitment from each member.

In the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, the bowl is one of the five basic possessions of a bhikkhu: the three robes, the bowl, a razor, a needle and thread, and a water strainer. Caring for the bowl properly not only protects property but also expresses respect for the community and inner discipline. When the bowl is damaged or lost, it directly affects the ability to go on alms round and the daily life of practice.