Upp Sk 42Not Eat Screwing Up Nose
Pāli / Sanskrit:Not eat screwing up nose
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Interpretation of Upp Sk 42: Not Eating While Screwing Up the Nose
Background
This sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, where the training rules and discipline of the Sangha are recorded. Upp Sk 42 is one small part of the Suttavibhaṅga, the division that explains the detailed precepts, focusing on conduct during the process of eating by bhikkhus.
The background of this sutta concerns improper behaviors that certain disciples performed while the Buddha was still in the world. The Buddha, in his boundless wisdom, noticed impolite or unmindful conduct during meals and therefore set forth clear guidance to educate the Sangha in respect, self-control, and mindfulness.
Main Content
The sutta "Not Eating While Screwing Up the Nose" refers to a specific behavior regarded as unsuitable to the duty of one who has gone forth: screwing up or wrinkling the nose while eating rice. Although the title may seem somewhat strange to modern people, it actually reflects a profound principle of mindfulness (sati) and bodily discipline (kāya-samvara).
According to the spirit of the Vinaya Piṭaka, when a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī eats rice, they should maintain a state of complete mindfulness. Screwing up the nose, grimacing, or other expressions of discomfort or dissatisfaction are all seen as signs of a mind that is not concentrated, or worse, an expression of displeasure with the food that has been provided. These are subtle but blameworthy actions, because they reflect a mind not well cultivated.
The sutta teaches that eating and drinking should be regarded as a sacred act, an opportunity to practice gratitude (kataññutā) and acceptance of what is available. Food is to maintain health for the purpose of practice, not to satisfy ambitions of taste. Therefore any expression of dissatisfaction, however small, is contrary to the way of life of a practitioner.
Practical Meaning
The meaning of this sutta goes beyond the matter of screwing up the nose.
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