Xct Mu Bi Pd 2Asking for Curd

Sutra on Asking for Curd (Dadhiviññāpana)

Background

The Dadhiviññāpana Sutra is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, specifically in the Muhammadiyakavagga section. This is one of many Vinaya texts related to the regulations of daily life for monks and nuns in the Buddhist Sangha. The Vietnamese title "Kinh Xin Chua," or "Asking for Curd," refers to the act of asking for curd, yogurt, or sour milk, a nutritious food common in the culture of ancient India.

The background of this sutra reflects the simple monastic life of the monks contemporary with the Buddha. The monks lived by alms, following the principle of not storing food beyond what was necessary. However, when there were health needs or special circumstances, the rule was expressed with flexibility in order to protect both the ascetic practice and the health of the monks.

Main Content

The content of Dadhiviññāpana revolves around whether monks are permitted to ask laypeople for curd, and under what conditions this act is accepted according to the rule of the Sangha (saṅgha-sammatī). The sutra records a specific situation in which a monk or group of monks had special nutritional needs, or a sick and weak monk needed health care.

The Buddha, with perfect wisdom, determined the conditions under which asking for curd is lawful: it must be a real need, not because of greed or craving; it must be done in a dignified manner, not awkwardly or indecorously; and the requests must be straightforward, without deception or embellishment to impress others.

The sutra also establishes that monks asking for curd need to know the proper measure, and should not be either too clumsy or too embarrassed in communication. The request must be made with respect for the laypeople and with gratitude, not with an attitude of demand or arrogance.