San Lo Bi Vb Pd 4Asking for Molasses

The Sutta on Asking for Molasses (Phāṇitaviññāpana)

Background

The Phāṇitaviññāpana Sutta (Molasses) is a section (vagga) in the Sutta Vibhaṅga of the Vinaya, specifically belonging to the Pāṭimokkha Saṃvara, the fundamental discipline. The historical context of this sutta arises from the Buddha’s teaching of the Dharma at Sāvatthī, where he often resided with the community of monks.

This section is arranged in the Vinaya not because of the gravity of the offense, but because it raises a rule concerning conduct within the monastic community. Specifically, the sutta concerns the matter of asking for molasses, or other sweet liquids, an action that could give rise to dispute or fault within the Sangha.

In the Buddha’s time, requests for or asking after necessary material things sometimes became a source of discord and disturbance. Therefore, the Buddha taught in order to clarify appropriate principles of conduct, to maintain discipline and harmonious living in the Sangha.

Main Content

The Phāṇitaviññāpana Sutta establishes that a monk should not on his own ask directly for molasses from suppliers or from other people outside the accepted channels. Instead, if necessary, he must make known (viññāpana, notification or request) the need through suitable intermediaries or according to the procedure recognized by the Sangha.

This rule is not a complete prohibition against using molasses or sweet liquids, for these may be necessary for a monk’s health. However, the manner of asking must follow specific principles: not asking directly from lay people, not asking by suggestion or implication, and not creating any dissatisfaction or dispute.

The sutta also clarifies exceptional situations. When there is a legitimate reason, such as illness or a valid request from an elder, the use of these things is considered appropriate.