San Mu Bu Pm GBM 3 Sk 41Receiving Even Level

SAMATITTIKA SUTTA - EQUAL RECEIVING

Background

The Samatittika Sutta (Equal Receiving) appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Early tradition, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga (Analysis of the Bhikkhunīs). These are rules concerning daily life and interaction among members of the monastic community, especially in the receiving, distribution, and use of material offerings given to the Sangha.

In the historical context, as Buddhism developed, the monastic community needed not only to observe prohibitions (pātimokkha), but also to have detailed rules for communal life, especially in receiving and managing Sangha property. Samatittika refers to the principle of fairness and equality in the way necessities are received, reflecting the democratic and just spirit of the Sangha in the Buddha’s time.

Main Content

Samatittika—a Pāli term composed of “sama” (equal, even) and “tittika” (level, measure)—refers to the principle of receiving fairly without distinction of status. The sutta states that when items such as robes, food, or other necessities are offered to the Sangha community, their receiving and distribution must follow a uniform standard.

This principle affirms that every member—whether the abbot, one of high merit, or one newly ordained—receives the necessities of life according to the same standard. This reflects the Buddhist respect for inner virtue rather than external position or power.

The Vinaya Piṭaka records specific situations: when gifts are offered, or when food, long robes, or other requisites are distributed, the Sangha steward must ensure that no one is favored or overlooked. If any difference is made, it must be decided according to public criteria, not because of bias or self-interest.

Practical Meaning

Samatittika is not merely a minimal administrative rule in the Sangha, but also an expression of the Noble Eightfold Path—especially Right Intention (Sammā-saṃkappa).