San Mu Bu Pm GBM 2 Pc 44Giving Food to Ascetics
Pāli / Sanskrit:Acelaka
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Discourse on Providing Food to Ascetics (Acelaka)
Background
The Acelaka discourse belongs to the Pātimokkha Samvaranīya section of the early Vinaya Piṭaka, presenting regulations connected with ethics and right action in the life of practice. In the context of the community of monks and nuns, the matter of providing food for members in training is not simple; it reflects the whole Buddhist system of communal life, sharing, and cultivation in accordance with one's own precepts.
The term "Acelaka" (अचेलक) refers to ascetics or renunciants who live according to an austere path, often not wearing cloth robes or wearing torn garments. However, this discourse does not speak only about clothing, but about proper conduct when one comes into contact with and provides sustenance for those engaged in practice. It is practical guidance on observing discipline in daily actions, especially in dealing with practitioners who are independent or outside the main group.
Main Content
The Acelaka discourse teaches that providing food to ascetics must accord with the principle of right conduct and must not be exploitative. This means that when a monk, nun, or practitioner wishes to provide food for other renunciants, whether they are members of the main Sangha or independent practitioners, it must be done with a pure mind of compassion, without any intention to take advantage or demand anything in return.
The discourse emphasizes that the act of "giving" (dāna) must be voluntary and unconditional. If someone provides food while expecting benefit for themselves, or uses it as a means to control others, this violates the spirit of moral discipline (sīla) and loving-kindness (mettā). This is the basic spirit of Dharma practice according to the principle that "not everyone exploits one another," but rather "one helps out of humanity and generosity."
The discourse also mentions that the choice of recipient should not be too discriminating on the basis of status or lineage. All practitioners, whether independent or within the Sangha, are worthy of respect when they practice according to the Dharma.
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