San Lo Bu Pm Sk 25Even Measure of Curry
Pāli / Sanskrit:Samasūpaka
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Explanation of the Samasūpaka Discourse (Even Measure of Curry)
Background
The Samasūpaka discourse is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, belonging to the code of communal life of the Sangha. This is not a doctrinal sermon but practical guidance on the way of life of bhikkhus, especially concerning the sharing of food and acts of compassion within the monastic community.
The background in which this discourse arose is connected with specific situations during the formation of the Bhikkhunī Vinaya. The Blessed One, the Buddha Śākyamuni, witnessed or was informed of conflicts or injustices concerning how food portions were divided among members of the Sangha. From this, he established principles of equality and fairness, core values of the Buddha-Dharma, in daily communal activities.
The title “Even Measure of Curry” (Samasūpaka) in the original Pāli reflects the idea of sharing food, especially broth, soup, or cooked dishes, fairly, without bias and without selfishness.
Main Content
The Samasūpaka discourse states that when food is divided, especially common dishes such as rice broth or soup, bhikkhus must do so fairly (sama), ensuring that each person receives an equal portion. There must be no difference due to favoritism or discrimination. This reflects the principle of equality in the Saṃgha: no one is higher or lower in basic rights.
The discourse emphasizes that sharing food is a concrete act of loving-kindness (mettā) and non-covetousness (anabhijjhā). When someone prepares or manages the distribution of food, they must act with the understanding that all members of the Sangha are equal in the basis for sustaining life: all need nourishment in order to practice, and no one deserves to be favored above others.
Furthermore, the discourse teaches that observing this principle is not only the keeping of a rule, but also a way of nurturing spiritual life.
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