Lzh Sarv Bu Vb Pc 40Asking for Fine Foods
Pāli / Sanskrit:Paṇītabhojana
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Discourse on Asking for Fine Foods (Paṇītabhojana)
Background
The discourse on asking for fine foods appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the early Buddhist Dharma, specifically in the Pātimokkha, the most fundamental prohibitions that bhikkhus must observe. This is a rule concerning how bhikkhus should behave regarding food, especially the asking for precious or delicious foods.
In the historical background, during the Buddha’s lifetime, bhikkhus lived by almsround, going from house to house to ask for food. However, a problem arose when some bhikkhus began to have special preferences, wanting only fine or expensive foods, and even specifying the dishes they wished to receive. This was contrary to the spirit of a bhikkhu’s practice, namely the renunciation of craving and the cultivation of contentment.
Main Content
This discourse states that a bhikkhu should not ask for precious, delicious, or special foods (paṇīta bhojana). The word paṇīta refers to fine or refined foods, or delicacies usually consumed by those with means.
This prohibition is not a condemnation of eating fine foods as such, but only forbids actively asking for or requesting such dishes. If devotees or poor people voluntarily provide fine foods to a bhikkhu, receiving them is still permitted, since the bhikkhu is not the one making a demand.
A bhikkhu who violates this commits a Pācittiya offense, not an extremely grave fault, but one that still must be declared and confessed according to the procedure prescribed in the Vinaya Piṭaka.
Practical Meaning
The discourse on asking for fine foods reminds practitioners that Buddhism is the path of abandoning craving. Specifically, it teaches restraint of greed at a very basic level, even in daily food. This is a lesson in mindfulness (sati) in daily life, especially when eating and drinking.
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