San Mu Bu Pm GBM 2 Sk 39Receiving Respectfully

THE SUTTA ON RECEIVING MINDFULLY

Explanation of Sakkaccapaṭiggahaṇa

Context

In the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, the San Mu Bu Pm section (the precepts for bhikkhunis, female monastics) records detailed instructions on how to treat objects respectfully, especially items provided to the Sangha. The Sakkaccapaṭiggahaṇa Sutta (Receiving Mindfully) stands in the context of the Buddha guiding female bhikkhus on pure conduct, creative disposition, and respect when receiving basic requisites such as robes, food, and lodging.

These rules are not arbitrary decisions, but the result of specific situations in the early community. The Buddha saw that some female bhikkhus lacked mindfulness (sati) when receiving requisites: sometimes overly eager, sometimes disorderly, sometimes ungrateful. Therefore, he issued instructions on sakkacca (mindfulness, attentiveness, awareness) in order to cultivate ethics and preserve the honor of the Sangha.

Main Content

Sakkaccapaṭiggahaṇa (receiving or accepting mindfully) refers to the principle that female bhikkhus must receive the requisites of daily life with an aware, respectful, and non-greedy mind. Specifically, when receiving robes (civara), food (bhojana), or lodging (senasana), a female bhikkhu needs to do three things:

First, receive with both hands or kneel down, showing humility and respect. One should not be careless, indifferent, or elaborate. The mind should be focused on the task being done, not floating about or distracted.

Second, the female bhikkhu must clearly recognize the items provided and their purpose. Robes are for covering the body, not for pride or adornment. Food is for sustaining life, not for satisfying taste or selfishness. Lodging is a quiet place for practice, not a place of selfish living.