Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Pd 1Asking for Milk
Pāli / Sanskrit:Khīraviññāpana
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THE SUTTA ON ASKING FOR MILK (KHĪRAVIÑÑĀPANA)
Background
The Sutta on Asking for Milk appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pāṭimokkha Dhammasaṅgaṇī of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. It is a record of an event concerning Buddhist monastics asking for milk, reflecting the practical regulations of Sangha life in the very time of the Buddha.
In its historical context, this text was recorded to clarify what constitutes proper conduct and the rules connected with bhikkhus asking for food and drink. Milk (khīra) is an important nourishment, yet requesting it must also conform to the principles of humility and freedom from greed taught by the Buddha.
Main Content
This text records a situation in which some bhikkhus asked for milk in an inappropriate way or beyond their actual need. The Buddha, recognizing the situation, gave clear instructions on how to ask for food and drink in a proper manner (samyak).
According to the spirit of the Vinaya Piṭaka, monastics are not entirely forbidden to ask for milk. However, the manner of requesting must accord with the principles of meditative discipline and non-greed (tatra majjhattatā). A bhikkhu should not compel former donors to provide milk continuously, should not ask with the intention of enjoyment or indulgence in pleasure, but should ask only when it is truly necessary for the health that supports practice.
The text also makes clear that the Buddha did not condemn bhikkhus drinking milk, since milk can support health and help them practice more effectively. But the request must follow the principles of measure and suitability.
Practical Meaning
The Sutta on Asking for Milk teaches us three important lessons. First, it clarifies the boundary between reasonable care for the body and greed. Buddhist monastics practice austerity, but not in order to destroy the body; rather, it is to liberate the mind. Therefore, asking for what is necessary for health is proper.
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