Lzh Sarv Bu Vb Pd 3Receiving Food From Designated Families
Pāli / Sanskrit:Tatiyapāṭidesanīya
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Tatiyapāṭidesanīya Sutta: The Ceremony of Receiving Food from Designated Families
Background
Tatiyapāṭidesanīya, the third Pāṭidesanīya, is part of the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda tradition. This discourse records regulations relating to Buddhist monastics receiving food from specially designated families. This arose from historical incidents when monastics did not follow rules of conduct regarding food, causing difficulties and misunderstandings in the lay community.
The Buddha, in order to maintain the discipline and honor of the Sangha, issued clear conditions. These rules are not unreasonable prohibitions, but practical guidelines that help monastics avoid actions that could arouse suspicion or be improper. Through this, the Buddha-Dharma is protected, the people’s faith is maintained, and practitioners can focus on the path of liberation.
Main Content
The Tatiyapāṭidesanīya Sutta states that monastics may receive food only from families officially designated and recognized by the Sangha. This prevents ambiguous situations arising from receiving food from families of unclear identity or improper motivation.
Designated families (paṭidesanīya) must be people who truly have faith, offer food voluntarily, and expect nothing special in return. Monastics must clearly identify which family it is, avoiding confusion or exploitation. If a family is no longer valid or no longer recognized, the monastic must change the manner of approach.
This also includes restrictions on how food is received: one must not make demands, must not designate too many places, and must follow standards concerning the quality and quantity of allowable food. The purpose is to keep monastics living a pure life, not too greedy or dependent on any particular family.
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