Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Pc 65Visiting Families Before a Meal
Pāli / Sanskrit:Cāritta
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SUTTA ON VISITING FAMILIES BEFORE A MEAL
Background
This sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, especially to the rules concerning the conduct of monks and nuns. The Vinaya Piṭaka is a collection of precepts, behavioral guidance, and ancient accounts of events in the monastic community during the Buddha’s time. The element “Cāritta” in Pāli, meaning going about or the capacity for movement, reflects early Buddhism’s concern with the details of every daily action of those who have gone forth.
The historical background of this sutta arose when the Buddha’s disciples often visited donor families before mealtime, that is, before receiving food from devotees. Such visits could lead to complicated situations involving conceit (māna), craving (taṇhā), or lack of discipline. Therefore the Buddha gave specific guidance to protect the integrity (sīla) of monastics and maintain respect from the lay community.
Main Content
This sutta deals with questions of monastic conduct when bhikkhus or bhikkhunīs visit houses at twilight, or when a monastic tries to enter a house before the householders are ready to receive them. The main rule concerns timing: one should not visit at unsuitable times, especially when householders are preparing the meal or have not intended to invite anyone.
Specific forbidden actions include: going to a house when the householder is busy cooking; lingering around the kitchen or dining place; indirectly asking for food; or showing expectation of a meal. All these are considered violations of the Pātimokkha, the basic rules of the Vinaya, and the seriousness depends on the motive and result of the action.
The sutta emphasizes that monastics should maintain dignity, freedom from greed (anabhijjhā), and should not seek to obtain better food.
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