Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Pc 157Inviting

THE PAVĀRITA SUTRA (THE SUTRA ON INVITING)

Background

Pavārita, in Pāli meaning “opened” or “invited,” is a provision belonging to the Pātimokkha of the bhikkhus, recorded in the traditional Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka. This provision arose from a specific event in the Buddha’s life, when certain bhikkhus acted improperly in relation to people approaching or inviting the Sangha.

According to the records of the Vinaya Piṭaka, the Buddha prescribed rules to protect the purity of the Sangha and maintain the trust of the Buddhist lay community. Every action and attitude of bhikkhus affects the honor of the noble Sangha. Therefore, rules related to invitation or contact between bhikkhus and the people need to be observed seriously.

Main Content

The Pavārita provision concerns the fact that a bhikkhu must not actively invite or solicit gifts, food, or favorable conditions from laypeople, unless this is done according to the proper procedure of the Sangha or in accordance with the lawful discipline of the Buddha-Dharma.

Specifically, this rule aims to prevent greedy behavior or attempts to favor oneself by stirring up the faith of others. It also protects bhikkhus from excessive dependence on material favors from outside, which can weaken the spirit of renunciation in the discipline.

According to the Pāli tradition, this is regarded as improper conduct (akusala), harmful to one’s own honor and that of the Sangha. A bhikkhu should maintain a peaceful, non-grasping attitude, accepting only what is offered voluntarily by those who have faith.

Practical Meaning

For those who follow the path of Buddha-Dharma practice in the Theravāda tradition, Pavārita is a lesson in integrity and renunciation of material ambition. It encourages bhikkhus to develop a spirit of self-mastery, not depending on external conditions to sustain their practice.