Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Pc 29Giving Food to Ascetics
Pāli / Sanskrit:Acelaka
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SCRIPTURE ON GIVING FOOD TO ASCETICS (ACELAKA)
Background
This scripture is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, specifically in the code of prohibitions (Pātimokkha). During the Buddha’s lifetime, the growth of the Sangha required clear regulations on how to sustain renunciants and provide food for those who had gone forth. This scripture revolves around the matter of carrying food for ascetics (acelaka, those who have gone forth and live by alms).
The background of this rule arose when fellow monks did not follow proper rules in receiving food, or when those who supplied food did not clearly understand the rules of practice. The purpose of the scripture is to protect the sanctity of the alms practice and maintain the purity of the Sangha.
Main Content
In the Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka, giving food to ascetics is regulated in detail with the aim of ensuring the purity of the donors, those who give, and of the monastics who receive food. The scripture states that food should be given in a chaste, pure manner, unmixed with motives of craving or impure purposes.
Specifically, the conditions to be observed include: Food must be given with a pure mind, expecting nothing in return (anissita). Those who give food should understand that this is an act of compassion, not a way to build relationships or debts of obligation. Likewise, ascetics who receive food must understand that they receive it to sustain the body and support the practice of the path, not out of greed or dependency.
The rule also mentions prohibited conduct, such as hidden commercial dealings in the process of giving food, or speech intended to exploit publicity. The intention of the rule is to maintain the boundary between the diligent alms practice of monastics and worldly transactions for gain.
Practical Meaning
From a modern perspective, this scripture teaches us about purity of mind in acts of giving and receiving. Whether or not we are members of the Sangha, this principle still applies.
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