San Sarv Bu Pm Tf 11 Np 21An Extra Almsbowl
Pāli / Sanskrit:Patta
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The Sutta on the Extra Bowl (Patta)
Background
The Patta Sutta (the bowl) is a regulation in the Theravada Vinaya, found in the Vinaya Pitaka. The content of the text is directly connected with the training rules of bhikkhus, male renunciants, especially the matter of possessing and using the almsbowl (patta), one of the five most essential requisites that Buddhism permits bhikkhus to possess. This text arose from a specific incident at the Buddha’s monastery, when there was a dispute or unclear situation concerning an extra bowl, a bowl beyond the standard allowed bowl.
The historical context shows that the Buddha established detailed regulations concerning the personal property of bhikkhus in order to nurture humility, renunciation of sensual greed, and the purity of the Sangha. Each of these rules is not a meaningless restriction, but guidance so that monastics may focus on the spiritual path instead of being bound by material things.
Main Content
The Patta Sutta deals with the issue of a bhikkhu possessing a bowl beyond the permitted number. According to the Theravada Vinaya, each bhikkhu may possess only one almsbowl suited to his body, neither too much nor too little. Only when his old bowl is broken or damaged may he take a new bowl. In practice, however, complex situations occur: a bhikkhu may inadvertently be offered or receive an additional bowl, or may have a reasonable need to possess a spare bowl temporarily.
The text stipulates that if this bhikkhu possesses an “extra” bowl (patta atthasarikaṃ), that is, a second bowl, he must take measures to handle it. The simplest way is to seek a legitimate disciplinary officer, a qualified bhikkhu or bhikkhunī, or the entire Sangha, in order to “relinquish” the bowl, meaning to declare that the bowl no longer belongs to him.
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