Lzh Sarv Bu Vb Sk 60Receiving Even Level
Pāli / Sanskrit:Samatittika
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SAMATITTIKA SUTTA: RECEIVING WITH EQUAL MEASURE
Background
Samatittika, or "receiving at an even level," is a regulation in the Vinaya Piṭaka connected with the practice of monks and nuns. In the Theravāda tradition, the Vinaya Piṭaka is not merely a set of rigid commands, but guidelines built from actual situations in the monastic community. Every rule has a story about the reason for its arising, bearing witness to the Buddha's wisdom in guiding the community.
The Samatittika Sutta is found in the Bhikkhu Vibhaṅga, the analysis of rules for monks, or in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga. The background of the sutta concerns the question: how should monastics receive privileges or property, and with what attitude? The word "Samatittika" is rooted in sama (equal, even) and titthati (to stand, to remain), implying the receiving of things evenly, without imbalance in one's state of mind.
Main Content
The sutta prescribes that when monastics receive requisites, property, or benefits such as service or gifts, they should maintain a balanced state of mind, without greed, without aversion, and without excessive delight. This is especially important when there is a difference in quality or quantity compared with other members of the community.
For example, if a teacher is carefully served by laypeople more than others are, or receives better gifts, that person should not allow delight or pride to arise. Conversely, if one is not publicly recognized or is treated in a more ordinary way, the practitioner should not become discouraged or resentful. This is "evenness in receiving," Samatittika.
This principle arises from a deep understanding of human psychology. Emotions such as greed (lobha), hatred (dosa), and delusion (moha) are easily stirred by outward differences. If monastics cannot discipline the mind in such situations, the seeds of greed, hatred, and delusion will grow, obstructing the path to liberation.
Practical Meaning
Samatittika is a lesson on an even mind (samatta-cetaso) in daily life.
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