Lzh Sarv Bu Pm 2 Pc 40Asking for Fine Foods
Pāli / Sanskrit:Paṇītabhojana
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SUTTA ON ASKING FOR FINE FOODS
Paṇītabhojana-vinaya
Background
This regulation is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, in the Pātimokkha, the collection of fundamental rules of practice for bhikkhus. The rule on asking for fine foods (Paṇītabhojana) reflects the delicate balance established by the Buddha: avoiding descent into indulgence while maintaining appropriate health for the work of practice.
In the early period of the Sangha community, some disciples of the Buddha practiced austerities to the point that their health was weakened and they lacked the strength to practice. Therefore, the Buddha allowed bhikkhus to eat nourishing foods, but not to actively request or crave fine foods (paṇīta). This regulation is intended to cut off greed and the pursuit of sensory satisfaction, while also preventing bhikkhus from becoming weak.
Main Content
According to this rule, bhikkhus are not permitted to actively request or hint at particular kinds of food, especially foods considered “fine”: carefully prepared, delicious, special, or rare foods. This includes not imagining, longing for, or describing such foods in detail to others.
Violating behavior includes direct or indirect requests, hints, or suggestions to those preparing food about specific dishes. Even revealing a mind of craving or excessive delight in a particular food is considered conduct unsuitable for the life of a bhikkhu.
However, this rule does not prohibit bhikkhus from eating fine foods when they are specially given or when they are invited to eat. The difference lies in the intention and action of the bhikkhu: the practitioner does not actively seek or crave, but simply receives food from the compassion of lay followers.
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