Xct Mu Bi Sk 41Receiving Respectfully
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sakkaccapaṭiggahaṇa
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Commentary on the Sakkaccapaṭiggahaṇa Sutta (Receiving with Reverence)
Background
In the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, the Sakkaccapaṭiggahaṇa Sutta is found among the regulations concerning ethical conduct (Sīla) and the dignified deportment of monastics. The Vinaya Piṭaka records the standards of behavior that the Buddha himself practiced and taught to his disciples, with the aim of preserving and transmitting the Noble Dhamma across generations.
This sutta addresses the principle of "receiving with reverence" — an important aspect of the way of life observed by monks and nuns. Receiving (paṭiggahaṇa) is not merely a physical act, but an expression of respect, mindfulness, and correct understanding of the purpose of practice. Sakkacca — meaning reverence, attentiveness — is the key term denoting complete and wholehearted attention, never casual or mechanical.
Main Content
The principle of receiving with reverence as set forth in the Vinaya Piṭaka regulates the manner in which bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs receive the requisites essential to their lives — from robes and alms bowls to food — in accordance with proper form. The central emphasis is that every action must be performed with clarity of mind, without haste and without carelessness.
When receiving an object, the monastic must recognize that it is merely a tool in support of the practice, and not an object of acquisition or gratification. This attitude of reverence reflects the four basic supports of the Dhamma: robes for the covering of the body, food for nourishing one's strength in the practice, dwelling for protection from the elements, and medicine for the treatment of illness. There is no purpose other than to support the path of practice leading to nirvana.
This section of the regulations also encompasses the receiving of teachings, of suttas, and of instructions in practice from one's teacher. The act of listening to and receiving the true Dhamma must likewise be carried out with a reverent, open mind, free from doubt, so that one may penetrate the deep and subtle meaning of the Dhamma.
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