San Mu Bu Pm GBM 2 Pc 37Eating at the Wrong Time

Sutta on Eating at the Wrong Time (Vikālabhojana)

Background

The Vikālabhojana Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Pāli Canon, recording disciplinary regulations concerning the eating practices of monks and nuns. The Vinaya Piṭaka is arranged into sections (Khandhaka), in which the Pātimokkha and detailed rules (Pārājika, Saṅghādisesa, and others) are recorded to protect the diligence and purity of the fourfold community.

The rule on eating at the wrong time, meaning that the time from sunrise to sunset is not the period for the main meal, arose from specific situations encountered by bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs, and the Buddha gave guidance to regulate them. This rule is not merely a matter of formal discipline, but deeply expresses the principle of non-greed (alobha) and restraint of the sense faculties (indriya-samvara).

Main Content

According to the Pāli Vinaya, bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs are permitted to eat during the allowed time (kāla, from waking until sunset). Eating outside this time (vikāla) is considered a violation of the Dukkaṭa rule, a fault lighter than Pācittiya but still requiring expiation. In addition, certain substances, such as slow-digesting foods in the evening (rasi-bhatta), are prohibited to avoid heaviness of the stomach and disturbance of concentration.

The sutta records specific cases in which monks and nuns violated the rule, and the Buddha taught the meaning of observance. The basic principle is this: eating at the proper time helps monastics maintain awareness, avoid desires connected with food, and protect the body so that it has optimal energy for practice. Limited eating times also create conditions for physical and mental purity.

Permitted exceptions (anujānāti) include drinking water, drinking other liquid beverages, taking foods regarded as "ghee, butter, oil, honey, molasses" for medicinal use, or cases of illness requiring a special diet.