San Lo Bi Vb Sk 29Stuffing Cheeks

THE SUTTA ON STUFFING THE MOUTH (AVAGAṆḌAKĀRAKA)

Background

This sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, recorded in the Pāli Canon as rules of practice concerning the manners and actions of bhikkhus. These rules arose when disciples of the Buddha violated basic principles of discipline, and from this the Buddha or the Sangha established regulations to preserve the spirit of practice and protect the purity of the Sangha body.

The specific situation of the sutta "Stuffing the Mouth" concerns the act of filling the mouth with water or food without swallowing, an action considered undisciplined and unsuitable to the qualities of one gone forth. This action reflects a lack of self-control, a lack of respect for practice, and damages the honor of the Sangha body.

Main Content

According to the rule in the Vinaya Piṭaka, when a bhikkhu stuffs the mouth full of water or food (avagaṇḍakāraka), this is regarded as a legal offense of a certain kind. This rule is not classified among the gravest offenses such as Pārājika or Saṅghādisesa, but belongs to the Pācittiya category or lighter offenses, depending on the context and intention of the one who performs it.

The nature of the violation lies in the fact that this action shows a lack of dignity and discipline. A bhikkhu practicing the Dharma path should control the sense faculties, especially eating and drinking, which form an important part of the practice of Samvara, restraint of the senses. Stuffing the mouth too full not only loses the quality of attentiveness, but may also disturb those nearby, contrary to the principles of respect and courtesy in the Sangha.

In addition, this action is connected with an awareness of disregarding the Buddha’s instructions on proper eating and drinking. According to the Pāli Canon, these matters were taught to preserve a settled state of mind (samādhi) and to avoid habits that erode the mind of practice.