Lzh Sarv Bu Pm 2 Sk 61Stuffing Cheeks

Explanation of the Avagaṇḍakāraka Scripture (Stuffing the Cheeks Scripture)

Context

The Avagaṇḍakāraka scripture belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, containing regulations on the discipline of monks and nuns, the Sangha community. In the Early Buddhist tradition, the Vinaya Piṭaka is not merely a set of dry prohibitions, but practical guidance helping monks and nuns practice in purity, protect the honor of the Buddha Dharma, and build a harmonious community.

This scripture concerns a specific behavior in daily life: stuffing the cheeks full while eating. This conduct is regarded as undignified and unsuitable to the image of a renunciant, one who has abandoned worldly pleasures in pursuit of the Path.

Main Content

According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, stuffing the cheeks while eating (avagaṇḍakāra) is listed among behaviors unworthy of a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī. This is not a grave offense leading to defeat or expulsion, such as the Pārājikā or Saṅghādisesa, but belongs to the type of violations deserving reminder and correction, such as Dukkaṭa or Padabba.

The reason given is quite clear: this behavior violates basic principles of modesty and dignity (sīla-sampanna). When eating, a renunciant should show moderation, and should not let their appearance become undignified or suggest gluttony.

The Vinaya prescribes that monks and nuns should eat in a way appropriate to the nature of the Sangha, a community seeking liberation from cravings (taṇhā). The act of stuffing the cheeks, in the context of practice, is understood as a subtle expression of greed for food or lack of self-control.

Practical Meaning

In Early Buddhist practice, small regulations such as this are not unreasonable barriers, but means for monastics to train clarity (sati) and self-control (dama). Eating and drinking with dignity, without stuffing the cheeks, helps the renunciant maintain right mindfulness (sammā-sati) of their actions, thereby transforming the ordinary heedless habits of daily life.