San Mg Bu Pm Np 21An Extra Almsbowl
Pāli / Sanskrit:Patta
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
THE SCRIPTURE ON THE EXTRA BOWL (PATTA)
Background
Patta, the bowl for receiving alms, is one of the most basic ritual implements, or tools of practice, in the Theravāda Vinaya tradition. This scripture is recorded in the Bhikkhu Pātimokkha, the code of discipline for monks, specifically in the Nissaggiya Pācittiya section, the offenses requiring forfeiture and connected with relinquishing property. These are detailed regulations concerning the time, quantity, and manner of use of the minimal requisites that a bhikkhu must observe.
The foundation of these rules arises from the intention to preserve the purity of the Sangha community and to prevent craving in the possession of material property. The bowl is considered a symbol of simplicity and renunciation, reflecting the spirit of going forth in Theravāda Buddhism.
Main Content
The scripture on the extra bowl prescribes that a monastic is permitted to possess one main bowl (bhikkhu-patta). If he has a second bowl or more, he must follow certain strict conditions. The scripture sets forth the cases in which an extra bowl may be kept: when the main bowl is damaged, when time is needed for repair, or when waiting for a new bowl. In these cases, a temporary bowl is accepted, but only for a definite period, usually ten days or one Pavāraṇā cycle, the ending of the rains retreat.
If the monastic keeps the extra bowl beyond the prescribed time without a legitimate reason, this gives rise to a Pācittiya, that is, an offense of confession requiring expiation. The scripture also prescribes that when the main bowl has been repaired, the extra bowl must be returned immediately or must be formally forfeited.
Meaning for Practice
The regulation concerning an extra bowl is not merely a technical legal matter, but reflects a profound principle of purity of mind and the renunciation of ambition. The bowl is regarded as the “nurturing mother” of the bhikkhu; it represents living in dependence on the offerings of the people.
🌏 The Buddhist canon is vast — some sūtras (such as comparative Vinaya across schools, or untranslated Tibetan-canon texts) have to this day NEVER been translated into Vietnamese or English by anyone, scholars included. Rather than leave it blank, Inti AI offers a FAITHFUL summary grounded in the tradition — from the sūtra's title, origin and essence — so you can still reach this rare part of the treasury. Whenever an original translation exists, the app shows the original first.
Translations belong to the translator/source credited above. The bilingual compilation, presentation, and AI translations compiled by Inti are © Inti Foundation. Please attribute when quoting; do not bulk-copy or use commercially without permission.