Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Pd 3Asking for Ghee
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sappiviññāpana
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DISCOURSE ON ASKING FOR GHEE (SAPPIVIÑÑĀPANA)
Background
The Discourse on Asking for Ghee is cited in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pāṭimokkha Saṅghādisesa section, rules concerning serious matters that cause division in the Sangha. This work reflects the disciplinary rules that the Buddha Śākyamuni established for the community of bhikkhus, in order to protect the purity and unity of the Sangha.
In the historical context, bhikkhus in ancient India were not permitted to accumulate fatty foods (sappi, or ghee, a kind of clarified butter made from milk). Ghee was a valuable nutrient in traditional Indian medicine, but storing it could lead to problems such as increasing attachment to material things, creating conditions for greed to arise, or giving emotionally weak bhikkhus the opportunity to store things in a non-transparent way. This discourse states clearly: a bhikkhu is not permitted to ask householders or others for ghee for any reason, even if he says it is intended for medicine or improving health.
Main Content
The Discourse on Asking for Ghee clearly states that “asking for ghee” (sappiviññāpana) is considered a violating action. If a bhikkhu actively speaks words requesting ghee from a householder, whether directly or indirectly, explicitly or by hint, it is regarded as a wrongful action.
This rule does not distinguish the effect or motive of the bhikkhu. Whether the motive is to treat illness, improve health, or any other purpose, the act of requesting (viññāpana) remains a violation. The content of the provision also mentions specific cases: if a bhikkhu says to a householder or any person, “Please give me ghee,” or uses other subtle hints so that the person understands and provides ghee, all are regarded as violations.
However, if a householder independently brings ghee as an offering to the bhikkhu without being asked or prompted by the bhikkhu, then the bhikkhu is permitted to receive and use it.
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