Lzh Mu Bu Vb Sk 57Na phuphukkāraka

Na Phuphukkāraka Sutta

Background

The Na Phuphukkāraka Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Pitaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically in the Mahāvagga section of the Bhikkhu Vibhaṅga. This is a detailed body of discipline concerning the rules for the practice and conduct of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs in the Buddha’s Sangha.

The Vinaya Pitaka is a collection of injunctions on discipline (Vinaya), the ethical and disciplinary foundation of the Buddhist community. These disciplinary texts were recorded from the discourses of the Buddha, with the purpose of maintaining purity, harmony, and peace in the Sangha, as well as helping bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs progress on the path of practice toward nirvana.

The legal rulings were given by the Buddha in specific circumstances when bhikkhus acted in improper ways. Rather than issuing rules arbitrarily, the Buddha often allowed bhikkhus to practice freely until problems arose, and only then laid down appropriate regulations.

Main Content

The Na Phuphukkāraka Sutta concerns regulations about food and the manner in which bhikkhus consume food. According to tradition, “phupphusaka” (or “phupphuka”) in Pāli denotes kinds of food considered suitable or unsuitable for the disciplined practice of moderation.

This rule states that bhikkhus should not eat foods not permitted by the Buddha, or foods of a strongly stimulating nature that disturb the mind or obstruct concentration. This is part of the Five Foundational Rules (Pañca Sīkkhāpada), the matters to be endured and avoided in the course of practice.

This sutta emphasizes that regularly eating certain foods will become a habit (āsanna), and then the mind will become bound to those habits, which runs counter to the spirit of renunciation and the goal of liberation. Therefore, bhikkhus should exercise care and wisdom in choosing food in order to maintain the purity of body, speech, and mind.