San Mg Bu Pm Sk 35Licking the Bowl

Explanation of the Pattanillehaka Sutta (Licking the Bowl)

Background

Pattanillehaka is a disciplinary rule in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, recorded in the Bhikkhu Pāṭimokkha, the voluntary code of the bhikkhus. This sutta reflects one of the subtle prohibitions concerning eating practice and the self-regulation of conduct in the monastic community.

According to the historical background, the Blessed Buddha established this rule after witnessing bhikkhus, while eating alone or sometimes with fellow practitioners, licking the bowl after the meal. This action, though seemingly harmless, was seen by the Buddha as a sign of uncontrolled craving and a lack of respect for the simplicity of Buddhist monastics.

Main Content

The Pattanillehaka rule stipulates that bhikkhus should not lick the bowl after finishing a meal. This action is regarded as a Pācittiya offense, a kind of rule requiring confession before the Sangha. The purpose of this rule is not to prohibit bhikkhus from eating properly or eating enough, but to nurture mindfulness (sati) and restrain greed (lobha).

Licking the bowl is in fact a subtle expression of longing for more food. Though only a small movement, it reflects a mind not yet fully relinquishing the desire for pleasure through taste. The Buddha-Dharma does not forbid bhikkhus to eat enough rice, but teaches them to eat with mindfulness and not be dominated by the desire for additional enjoyment.

This rule is also related to the Dhamma of self-mastery (dama) and moral discipline (sīla). When a bhikkhu observes this rule, he is training in conquering the senses, especially the tongue and the sense of taste. This is the first step in training indriya-saṁvara, restraint of the sense faculties, the foundation of the entire Buddhist training.

Practical Meaning

Pattanillehaka teaches us carefulness in every daily action.