Xct Mu Bi Sk 46Na anāgate khādanīyabhojanīye pātram upanāmayiṣyāma

Exposition of the Na Anāgate Khādanīyabhojanīye Pātram Upanāmayiṣyāma Scripture

Background

This scripture belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, especially the Xct Mu Bi Sk section (Samantapāsādikā or sections related to the basic regulations of the Sangha). It is not a scripture that directly teaches Dharma, but a Vinaya rule established by the Buddha to govern the life of practice of the Sangha. Its content concerns eating and the use of the bowl, an essential element in the renunciant life.

The background for the arising of this rule comes from specific situations in the monastic community. Through the six groups of factors (Vinaya Samantā), the Buddha gradually established rules to educate and govern the Sangha, in order to maintain discipline, harmony, and progress in practice. Each rule has a story leading to it, reflecting practical needs and the purpose of the Teaching.

Main Content

“Na anāgate khādanīyabhojanīye pātram upanāmayiṣyāma” may be translated as: “One should not bring the bowl for food before the time has come,” or more precisely, “One should not prepare the bowl before edible food has arrived.” This rule relates to the timing of using the bowl during almsround.

According to the Theravāda tradition, the Buddha prescribed that bhikkhus may go on almsround (pindapāta) only at certain times, from sunrise until before sunset. This rule ensures that bhikkhus practice discipline in eating, not only with regard to quantity or type, but also with regard to the time of preparing and using the bowl.

Specifically, a bhikkhu should not prepare or extend the bowl before food is actually ready. This prevents excessive imagining or expectation and keeps the mind pure. The bowl (pātram) is not only a practical implement, but also a symbol of humility and acceptance in the practice of almsround, chiefly for sustaining life and not for seeking gain.