San Lo Bu Pm Np 21An Extra Almsbowl

EXPLANATION OF THE TRAINING RULE ON AN EXTRA BOWL

Nissaggiya Pācittiya 21 - Patta Saṅghādisesa

Background

This training rule belongs to the twenty-first Nissaggiya Pācittiya group in the Pāli Vinaya, specifically the Suttavibhaṅga of the Vinaya Piṭaka. Nissaggiya Pācittiya is a class of rule in which, when violated, the bhikkhu must relinquish the improperly obtained item and confess the offense before the Sangha or a group of bhikkhus.

In the Buddha’s time, the bowl (patta) was not merely a utensil for eating but also a symbol of the alms-dependent life, an essential means for a bhikkhu to practice the path of poverty and simplicity. According to the Theravāda tradition, a bhikkhu is allowed to possess only eight essential requisites (aṭṭha parikhāra), among which the bowl is one of the most important constant requisites.

The rule concerning an extra bowl was established by the Blessed One to prevent attachment to material things, excessive accumulation, and the wasting of donors’ property. Limiting the number of bowls also reflects the spirit of fewness of wishes and contentment, living simply and not causing trouble for the community of donors.

Main Content

Nissaggiya Pācittiya rule 21 states: when a bhikkhu’s old bowl is still usable, still meeting the standard and not broken in more than five places, the bhikkhu is not permitted to ask for or receive a new bowl. If he violates this, the new bowl must be relinquished (nissajjitabba) before the Sangha, and the bhikkhu must confess the Pācittiya offense.

According to the standard in the Vinaya Piṭaka, a bowl is considered "still usable" (paṭirūpa) when it does not yet have five or more cracks, still holds water, and is adequate for alms-round. Only when the bowl is truly damaged and cannot be repaired does a bhikkhu have the right to seek a new bowl.

This rule does not apply in exceptional cases such as when the bowl has been lost, stolen, completely destroyed, or when a donor voluntarily offers one without being asked. In the case of receiving an offered bowl while the old bowl is still good, the bhikkhu may keep it to use later when the old bowl breaks, but he must not accumulate many bowls at the same time with the intention of long-term possession.

The method of relinquishment (nissajjana) is carried out before the Sangha or a group of bhikkhus, in which the offender declares that this bowl was received contrary to the discipline and must be relinquished to the Sangha. Afterward, the Sangha may lend the bowl back to him for use until the old bowl is damaged.

Practical Meaning

This rule deeply expresses the spirit of fewness of wishes and contentment (appiccha santuṭṭhi): knowing enough and being satisfied with what is necessary. In modern consumer society, where people often tend to accumulate and replace still-good objects with newer ones, this rule is a reminder of a simple, non-wasteful way of life.

For practitioners today, even if not all are monastics, this principle can still be applied: use things until they truly need replacing, do not desire to own many of the same kind, and appreciate material goods and the labor of donors.