San Sarv Bi Pm Tf 44 Pd 6Asking for Fish
Pāli / Sanskrit:Macchaviññāpana
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Explanation of the Macchaviññāpana Discourse (The Discourse on Asking for Fish)
Background
The Macchaviññāpana discourse (macchaviññāpana = maccha: fish + viññāpana: asking) is found in the Sixth Section, the Parivāra, of the Vinaya Piṭaka, in the portion that gives detailed regulations for the ascetic life of monks and nuns. This is a part of the Khuddaka Pātimokkha, the minor training rules, related to sustaining the body and the rules for requesting requisites in monastic life.
The historical background of this discourse is connected with occasions when the Buddha and his disciples encountered difficulties in maintaining overall discipline as the community of monks and nuns expanded. The bhikkhus needed clear guidance on how to handle daily needs without violating the supramundane spirit.
Main Content
The Macchaviññāpana discourse presents the situation in which a bhikkhu has need of food, fish or kinds of meat, but cannot ask for it himself, or when asking directly would violate the spirit of humility. The question raised is: is a bhikkhu permitted to request another person, a householder, attendant, or another bhikkhu, to bring these kinds of food?
The Vinaya stipulates that a bhikkhu may not directly ask for fish or meat by name. However, the discourse allows indirect ways: a bhikkhu may say, "Today, throw away the leftover food," or use other similar signs, so that another person understands and voluntarily provides it. What is important is the intention: the bhikkhu must maintain a mind of loving-kindness (mettā) and should not allow desire to govern his action.
The discourse also emphasizes the distinction between "improper asking" (anucchavika-viññāpana) and "proper asking" (uchavika-viññāpana). Proper asking consists of words that do not directly demand, still respect the principle of humility, yet are clear enough for the listener to understand the meaning.
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