Xct Mu Bi Pm Pc 21Accepting Two or Three Bowls Full

Dvittipattapūrapaṭiggahaṇa Sutta

(The Sutta on Accepting Two or Three Full Bowls)

Background

This text is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha of the bhikkhus. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not a collection of discourses on doctrine, but the disciplinary rules that the Buddha established to govern the Sangha, in order to protect harmony, purity, and the long-term development of the monastic community.

The Dvittipattapūrapaṭiggahaṇa Sutta is directly related to the bhikkhus’ practice of receiving food. According to the Theravāda tradition, bhikkhus must live by alms: going from house to house in the village to gather their daily food. This is not only a form of humble practice, but also creates a strong bond between the Sangha and the laity, helping laypeople accumulate merit through the act of offering.

Main Content

This text states that a bhikkhu on almsround may accept (paṭiggahaṇa) two or three bowls of food filled by a householder in one visit.

This rule arises from the principle of balance: if a bhikkhu accepts too much food, there is a risk of hoarding, depriving other laypeople of the opportunity to make offerings, or creating excess and waste in the monastic community. Conversely, accepting too little may not allow laypeople to practice the virtue of giving fully.

Two or three bowls (patta) are considered an appropriate number: enough for a bhikkhu to have fresh food, while still respecting the principle of humility. If he exceeds this amount, the bhikkhu violates one of the Pātimokkha rules, a pācittiya, a minor offense requiring confession.

This rule also reflects the spirit of the Middle Way (majjhimā paṭipadā) in Buddhism: avoiding the two extremes, neither harsh self-torment nor lax indulgence in material things.