Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Pd 4Asking for Butter

THE SUTTA ON ASKING FOR BUTTER

Background

This text belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, within the group of regulations concerning the daily life of monks and nuns. The Vinaya Piṭaka is the collection of disciplinary rules established by the Buddha Śākyamuni for the noble community (Sangha), in order to maintain harmony and purity in collective practice.

The text "Asking for Butter" is one of the minor rules, yet it carries profound meaning, concerning how bhikkhus observe the principle of restraint and do not go beyond proper purpose when seeking food. This context reflects practical situations during the rains retreat or when monks and nuns needed to care for their health, where asking for food was regarded as an action requiring clear discipline in order to avoid greed or carelessness.

Main Content

According to the spirit of the Vinaya Piṭaka, a bhikkhu may ask for butter (or fatty substances used in treatment) only when there is a legitimate health reason or in special cases, not because of personal preference or craving. The text makes clear that when one is ill or the body is weak, a bhikkhu may request butter from donors or from those who manage the common property of the Sangha.

However, this request must not be excessive or beyond what is necessary. The bhikkhu must show mindfulness (sati) and clearly understand the true necessity of his body, and may not abuse these supportive substances merely because he likes them. The Theravāda tradition emphasizes that all actions, even small ones such as asking for butter, reflect the level of discipline and mindfulness of the practitioner.

This rule also reflects the broader principle governing how monks and nuns use the material things and benefits provided by the Sangha. Every request must be sincere, clear in its motivation, and not governed by ambition.