Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Sk 68Round Mouthful

THE PARIMAṆḌALA SCRIPTURE (Round Mouthful)

Background

The Parimaṇḍala scripture is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, in the Suttavibhaṅga section of the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha, within the collection of rules of practice for bhikkhunīs. In the Theravāda tradition, the Vinaya Piṭaka is a collection of injunctions established by the Buddha Gotama to govern the community of monks and nuns. These rules are not arbitrary punishments, but guidance for nurturing discipline, concentration, and wisdom in practice.

The scripture is named “Parimaṇḍala” (round mouthful) because it concerns a small detail about conduct in eating or speaking. Such details may be considered extremely minor, but in the Buddha-Dharma they are not overlooked, because they reflect mental attitude and respect in every daily action.

Main Content

The specific content of this scripture has not been fully translated in the available materials, but based on the context of the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha, the Parimaṇḍala scripture is related to rules of basic conduct and eating etiquette for bhikkhunīs. Specifically, it teaches carefulness in eating, drinking, and daily habits.

In the Vinaya Piṭaka, small rules like this are regarded as “sekhiya sikkhā,” training rules for restraining the faculties (indriya samvara). The Buddha taught that a true practitioner must pay attention to all actions, whether great or small. The image of the “round mouthful” may refer to eating with a dignified attitude, or to speaking with consideration.

This rule is part of the comprehensive system of training established by the Buddha. Every detail has a purpose: building carefulness (appamāda), developing the mind’s dispositions (cetaso anusaya), and creating a foundation for deep meditation.

Practical Meaning

For modern practitioners, the Parimaṇḍala scripture teaches a profound lesson about “mindfulness in small matters.”