Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Pd 2Asking for Curd

Dadhiviññāpana Discourse (Discourse on Asking for Curd)

Background

The Dadhiviññāpana discourse belongs to the Pātimokkha in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, expressing regulations concerning the conduct of bhikkhus. This event occurred when the Buddha was still in the world, in a remote region where bhikkhus were living.

At that time, some bhikkhus had needs in daily life that were small, but if not clearly regulated could lead to laxity in the Sangha. Curd (dadhi) is a nutritious food, used in ancient Ayurvedic medicine to support health. However, the issue was not that food itself, but the way bhikkhus requested and used such requisites, whether it was in accord with the spirit of practice.

Main Content

The discourse records that bhikkhus asked for curd in an inappropriate way, perhaps asking directly from householders or using words lacking dignity. After learning of this, the Buddha gave specific regulations concerning how to ask for and receive necessities.

This rule does not completely forbid the use of curd, but corrects the attitude and method. A bhikkhu should ask in a dignified way, not displaying greed, and should ask only for what is truly necessary for health. The expression of viññāpana (request) must be respectful and clear, without signs of argument or coaxing.

The important point is that the Buddha did not forbid bhikkhus to use nourishing foods such as curd, especially when the body is weak or needs treatment. But the purpose of the Sangha is not to seek delicious things, but to maintain the minimum health needed to continue practicing. The raison d'être of monastic life is the search for awakening, not the satisfaction of cravings for taste.

Practical Meaning

The Dadhiviññāpana discourse teaches us how to maintain sense restraint (indriya saṃvara), the guarding of the sense faculties.