Lzh Sarv Bu Pm Pc 31Eating Successive Meals
Pāli / Sanskrit:Paramparabhojana
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PARAMPARABHOJANA SUTTA — EATING SUCCESSIVE MEALS
Background
The Paramparabhojana Sutta (Eating successive meals) is one of the important disciplinary regulations in the Vinaya tradition of the Theravāda. This text belongs to the Pātimokkha section of the monastic Vinaya, specifically among the rules of expiation (Pācittiya) — offenses that require confession when violated.
According to the traditional account, this rule arose when monks had the habit of eating several successive meals on the same day, exceeding the prescribed time for eating (after the sun had risen high, monastics should not eat). This drew attention and criticism from the faithful, and also affected the health and spirit of practice of the monks.
The Buddha Śākyamuni laid down a specific rule to correct this behavior, thereby ensuring that the monastic community maintained the principles of disciplined practice and the respect of the lay community.
Main Content
The rule in Paramparabhojana is very clear: a monk may not eat food (bhojana) in successive meals during the same alms round (bhikkhācariyā). If a monk eats a first meal and then continues to eat a second meal during the same alms round, this is considered a pācittiya — an offense requiring individual confession.
Unlike some other rules, this text does not mention exceptions such as illness or special hardship, for its basic purpose is instruction in moderation and self-mastery in eating.
This practice reflects the principle of sekha-sikkhanā (training rules) of the Sangha, directed toward the training of the senses and the mind. Food (bhojana) here is understood as staple food such as rice, not including minor foods or drinks.
Practical Meaning
Paramparabhojana is not merely a physical rule about eating, but a profound lesson in moderation (indriya-samvara) — restraint of the sense faculties. Eating successive meals reflects craving for the pleasure of taste and lack of self-control.
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