San Sarv Bu Pm Tf 11 Pc 33Accepting Two or Three Bowls Full
Pāli / Sanskrit:Dvittipattapūrapaṭiggahaṇa
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Explanation of the Sutta: Accepting Two or Three Bowls Full
Context
This sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, especially the Pātimokkha of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. The Vinaya Piṭaka records the moral training rules that the Buddha established for the Sangha, in order to protect the purity of the monastic community and maintain discipline in the collective life of practice.
The topic “Accepting Two or Three Bowls Full” (Dvittipattapūrapaṭiggahaṇa) falls within the category of rules concerning the acceptance of food. It is a detailed regulation in the Pātimokkha, helping practitioners understand the proper manner of receiving food and maintaining respect for non-attachment to material things.
Main Content
According to the Theravāda tradition, when Buddhist monastics go on almsround (piṇḍapāta), they should not actively ask for or desire to receive too much food. This sutta specifies that accepting two or three bowls (pattas) full is an action appropriate to the spirit of practice.
The principle of proper gain here arises from the mind of contentment (santuṭṭhi). A bhikkhu should not be greedy, should not seek unusual delicacies, or gather food beyond real need. Accepting a reasonable amount of food—only enough to nourish the body so that practice may continue—reflects observance of the discipline and wisdom in the use of material resources.
This rule is related to Pācittiya 33 (Pci 33), one of the lighter regulations but still one requiring mindfulness. If a bhikkhu accepts too much food beyond the purpose of minimal nourishment, or stores more than needed, this may be regarded as a violation of the spirit of the law. However, accepting two or three bowls—that is, an appropriate amount—is considered a proper and tactful action.
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