Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Pd 1Asking for Milk
Pāli / Sanskrit:Khīraviññāpana
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Khīraviññāpana Discourse (Discourse on Asking for Milk)
Background
The Khīraviññāpana discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, a core part of the Pāli Canon in the Early Buddhist tradition. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not philosophical theory, but a set of rules for communal monastic life, promulgated by the Buddha to maintain discipline and foster spiritual development in the Sangha.
This discourse is found in the Pāṭimokkha, specifically among the Pācittiya rules, actions that must be cleansed through confession. The background of the discourse concerns a specific event in the life of the bhikkhus, when a junior monk wished to use milk to treat illness or support his health.
The Buddha saw that not every situation required absolute prohibition. Instead, he allowed bhikkhus to ask for milk in necessary circumstances, but with clear conditions. This reflects the wisdom of the Buddhist Dharma in balancing discipline with the practical realities of life.
Main Content
According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, bhikkhus are permitted to receive milk if they make a request. However, this request is not an ordinary demand but must follow certain principles. First, the bhikkhu must have a legitimate reason, such as illness or weakened health.
Second, milk must be requested from laypeople in a respectful manner. A bhikkhu must not directly demand, “Give me milk,” but should say, “I need milk for treating illness,” or express the need humbly. This is the way the Buddha taught bhikkhus to maintain simplicity in life while not refusing necessary support from Buddhists.
This discourse also establishes a clear boundary: if a bhikkhu has no real need but still asks for milk, that is considered a violation. This principle reflects the teaching on the self-restraint of bhikkhus, intended to prevent craving and maintain purity of mind.
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