Upp Pc 42Asking for Fine Foods
Pāli / Sanskrit:Paṇītabhojana
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The Discourse on Asking for Fine Foods (Paṇītabhojana)
Background
The Discourse on Asking for Fine Foods belongs to the Dhamma Sangani section of the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically among the regulations concerning the daily conduct of bhikkhus. This is not a discourse on theoretical Dharma, but a rule of practice intended to restrain material desires and renew the mind within the religious community.
The background arose during the time of Śākyamuni Buddha’s activity in India. As Buddhism developed, subtle problems appeared in the monastic community. Some monastics began asking for refined foods (paṇīta bhojana) such as ghee, butter, oil, honey, and other foods not necessary for basic health but intended only to satisfy the pleasure of taste. This conduct runs counter to the spirit of humility and non-greed (anabhijjhā), one of the basic qualities of a Buddhist.
The Buddha, with boundless wisdom, recognized the hidden danger. If no rule were laid down, the mind of greed would gradually invade, weakening the concentration (samādhi) and wisdom (paññā) of those who practice. Therefore, he proclaimed a disciplinary rule forbidding monastics from asking for refined foods without legitimate reasons.
Main Content
According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, a bhikkhu should not request, hint at, or expect refined foods from providers, whether laypeople, householders, or others. These foods include ghee, butter, oil, sesame oil, honey, and other material enjoyments that those offering a meal might provide.
This rule does not forbid monastics from eating good foods when laypeople offer them voluntarily. The key point is “asking.” The act of asking reflects a mind that wishes to be satisfied and favored above others, states of mind not in harmony with the Dharma. Bhikkhus should be content with whatever food is provided, so long as it nourishes the body for continued practice of the Dharma.
The act of asking for refined foods, though it may seem small, in fact reflects a leakage of the mind of greed.
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