Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Pc 21Accepting Two or Three Bowls Full
Pāli / Sanskrit:Dvittipattapūrapaṭiggahaṇa
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An Explanation of the Discourse: Accepting Two or Three Full Bowls
Background
This discourse is recorded in the Vinaya Pitaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha, the recited code of ethical training for bhikkhus. These are basic rules to protect the actions, speech, and intentions of the renunciants, in order to maintain the purity of the Sangha.
This regulation arose from the practice of eating among bhikkhus during the Buddha's lifetime. When the Sangha received food from laypeople, each renunciant was permitted to receive one, two, or three bowls so that the food would be distributed fairly. However, greed or lack of discipline in receiving food led the Buddha to establish specific rules. This discourse belongs among the Pācittiya rules, the disciplinary offenses requiring confession.
Main Content
According to the Theravāda tradition, the rule on "accepting two or three full bowls" concerns the offering of food during a communal meal. Specifically, when a layperson or food steward offers food bowl by bowl to the bhikkhus, each one is allowed to receive one, two, or at most three full bowls. If a bhikkhu intentionally accepts more than three bowls or asks to receive more, that is an offense.
The spirit of this regulation is not to restrict the satisfaction of the practitioner's nutritional needs, but to teach moderation (mattaññutā) and non-greed. Early Buddhism emphasizes that a bhikkhu who truly practices should not allow his mind to be governed by craving for food. Limiting the number of bowls is not false humility, but a spiritual practice for internalizing the attitude of "enough" (alaṁ).
This regulation also aims to ensure fairness within the Sangha community. When each practitioner limits what he receives, food will be distributed to more people, no one will lack, and nothing will be wasted.
Practical Meaning
For those who study the traditional Buddha Dharma, this discourse teaches that moderation in material needs is a foundation of spiritual practice.
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