Xct Mu Bi Pc 22Eating More After Refusing an Invitation
Pāli / Sanskrit:Pavāraṇā
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The Pavāraṇā Discourse: Eating More After Refusing an Invitation
Background
Pavāraṇā (Pāli: পবാरণा) is the name for the rite of “opening” or “invitation” in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the early Buddhist tradition. This discourse belongs to the Pātimokkha, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, the section of the Vinaya Piṭaka recording detailed rules of conduct for nuns.
The background of the discourse lies in the days following Vassa, the three-month rains retreat during which bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs gather to practice in communal residences. At the end of this season there is the Pavāraṇā ceremony, an “opening” in which members of the Sangha have the opportunity to point out one another’s Vinaya violations openly, cleansing faults and beginning a new season with a pure mind.
Main Content
Pavāraṇā discourse number 22 concerns a specific situation in the process of eating, an important aspect of Sangha discipline. Specifically, the content centers on a case in which a bhikkhunī is invited to eat but refuses the invitation, and afterward eats other food.
According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, bhikkhunīs must observe the principles concerning eating. When invited to eat at a layperson’s house, if she refuses, this expresses that the bhikkhunī considers she has no need for more food. However, if afterward she eats another portion, whether fruit, cakes, sweets, or anything nutritive, this is considered conduct not in accordance with the Vinaya. Such an act violates the principle of “knowing moderation in food” (bhojane mattaññutā) and contradicts the statement made when she was invited.
This rule emphasizes consistency and sincerity in action. If one refuses an invitation, the bhikkhunī should stand by that decision and should not appear to decline out of humility and then eat more afterward.
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