Xct Mu Bi Pc 140Selling Food

SUTRA ON SELLING FOOD

An explanation according to the traditional Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka

Background

The Sutra on Selling Food is a regulation in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, belonging to the Pātimokkha section, the disciplinary rules of the Buddhist Sangha. This text arose from specific events in the time of the Buddha, when monks engaged in improper conduct in business and the trade of food.

In ancient Indian society, monks were supported through offerings of food from devotees. However, some monks took advantage of this situation by personally participating in buying and selling food for profit, instead of merely receiving offerings. This act violated a basic principle of the Buddhist religion: renouncing desires and activities aimed at gain. The Buddha saw its harmfulness for the spiritual life and discipline of the Sangha, and so established this rule.

Main Content

The regulation on Selling Food prohibits monks from engaging in buying, selling, exchanging, or speculating in food for the purpose of profit or accumulating wealth. This includes buying cheaply and selling dearly, or indirectly participating in food commerce through intermediary roles.

According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, a monk may only receive food directly offered by devotees. If there is surplus food, the monk may share it with other monks or leave it for the community, but he may not use it as a commodity for trade. Violation of this rule is regarded as a serious fault, reflecting a mind governed by greed (lobha) and craving (chanda).

This rule concerns not only outward behavior but also inner motivation. It aims to protect the purity of the Sangha and ensure that monks maintain the spirit of renunciation: living simply, not bound by material profit.