San Lo Bu Pm Pc 32Eating Successive Meals

The Paramparabhojana Rule - The Rule Forbidding Successive Meals

Background

The Paramparabhojana rule, forbidding successive eating, is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha, the basic code of discipline, in the Pācittiya section, minor rules requiring expiation if violated. This rule arose from specific situations in the practice of the earliest Sangha under the guidance of the Buddha Śākyamuni.

According to the Theravāda tradition, these regulations were not arbitrary impositions, but the result of actual events. The Buddha would observe phenomena that were not in accord with the spirit of practice and then set forth the corresponding instruction. The rule concerning eating successive meals belongs to this type: it relates directly to maintaining the body for the practice of concentration and wisdom.

Main Content

Paramparabhojana means "eating one meal after another in succession" on the same day. According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī is not permitted to eat multiple successive meals without lawful permission. If a monastic has eaten a meal, then until sunset only drinks are permitted, such as lemon water, sugarcane juice, peanut water, soy water, and so forth.

This specific rule states that once the main meal has been eaten in the morning or at noon, the monastic must not eat another meal on the same day, even if invited. If violated, it is a Pācittiya offense, a minor rule requiring confession before the Sangha and the performance of remedial action.

This rule was established in order to prevent habits of laziness, gluttony, and delight in pleasures. It also protects the health of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs from ailments related to digestion. Furthermore, this rule is a concrete expression of the principle "eating just enough to exist, not for pleasure" (mattañña, that is, moderation).