Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Pc 21Accepting Two or Three Bowls Full

Scripture on Accepting Two or Three Full Bowls of Rice

Background

This scripture belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, where the training rules (sīla) and disciplinary regulations (Pātimokkha) for the community of monks and nuns are recorded. Specifically, this is one of the Pācittiya rules, a light offense requiring clarification, connected with accepting rice from the faithful and respecting the principle of the ascetic (tapassī, one who practices austerity).

The context in which this rule appeared was that monks and nuns, or monastics, accepted too much rice from donors, beyond their actual needs. This could create problems of greed, delight in eating, and violation of the spirit of humility that the Buddha always encouraged in the Sangha community.

Main Content

The rule Dvittipattapūrapaṭiggahaṇa, accepting two or three full bowls of rice, states that a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī should not accept more than two or three full bowls of rice from donors. If one exceeds this amount while still regarding the rice as reserved for oneself, this is considered an unworthy act and one that deserves correction.

This rule reflects the Buddha’s philosophy of practice: monastics should live by minimizing material needs, focusing on the inner life and liberation. Food should be enough only to sustain health and support practice without hunger, not to accumulate wealth or satisfy endless desires. Accepting too much rice also indirectly signifies greed and exploitation of the faithful’s trust.

This rule also aims to protect the honor of the Sangha. If every bhikkhu accepted much rice, there would be leftovers, leading to waste or disposal, which does not accord with the spirit of puñña, the faith and merit of the donors.

Practical Meaning

The deeper meaning of this rule lies in training in humility, self-control, and clear understanding of the boundary between legitimate need and greed.