Lzh Mu Bu Vb Sk 49Round Mouthful
Pāli / Sanskrit:Parimaṇḍala
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Explanation of the Parimaṇḍala Sutta (Round Mouth)
Background
The Parimaṇḍala sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically the section prescribing the way of life of bhikkhus. This is one of the most detailed Vinaya suttas concerning rules of conduct in the daily life of the Sangha community. The sutta is recorded in the Skandhakas, sections that prescribe the collective conduct of bhikkhus.
The background of this sutta arises from specific situations that the Buddha encountered while living together with his disciples. When he observed unreasonable actions or conduct that could disturb others, the Buddha gave appropriate advice. This sutta reflects the practical nature of Buddhist Dharma-law: not abstract regulations, but concrete guidance serving the harmony and purity of the community of practice.
Main Content
The Parimaṇḍala sutta teaches proper conduct in eating, especially regarding the shape and manner of handling food. The term “parimaṇḍala” (round, complete) indicates the manner of eating a large, rounded mouthful without bringing it to the position of the teeth, but swallowing it straight down. This is considered unsuitable for several reasons:
First, it is a matter of purity and dignified eating skill. When a bhikkhu eats rice, he should maintain dignity and should not eat noisily or without control. Eating a large rounded mouthful gives the impression of lack of cultivation and is not suitable to the image of one gone forth.
Second, eating in this way may cause discomfort to others who are observing. In the monastic context, bhikkhus live closely together, and individual actions affect the community. Eating without dignity can diminish the faith of those who see it.
Third, this is a teaching on active restraint of the senses (indriya-saṁvara). Being required to be aware of how one performs seemingly ordinary actions is an essential part of forward practice. When a bhikkhu eats, every action can become an opportunity to practice mindfulness and discipline.
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