Xct Mu Bu Pm Pc 81Visiting Families Before a Meal

Commentary on the Cāritta Sutta: Visiting Families Before a Meal

Background

The Cāritta Sutta is found within the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the section containing rules of instruction for bhikkhus governing their communal life within the Sangha. This is not a discourse concerned with profound Buddhist doctrine; rather, it consists of practical guidelines to help bhikkhus cultivate moral virtue (sīla) and train themselves in a life of humility.

The word "Cāritta" means "character, quality, manner of conduct," which clearly reflects the theme of this text—namely, the instruction on the actions and comportment of those in training when they interact with the lay world. The context presented is an everyday situation: when bhikkhus are preparing for their morning meal or main meal, they have the opportunity to visit the households of lay supporters. This was an important aspect of ancient Sangha life—maintaining contact with those who offer support, sowing the seeds of merit, and at the same time practicing virtuous qualities.

Principal Content

The Cāritta Sutta instructs that before the meal, bhikkhus should not be hasty or careless in their visiting of households. Instead, they are to maintain a composed and dignified demeanor, engaging with lay people with an attitude of respect and loving-kindness (mettā). This manner of conduct is regarded as part of "higher moral virtue" (adhisīla), that is, elevated standards pertaining to one's attitude and rightful conduct.

The sutta teaches that when visiting households, bhikkhus should avoid actions or words that might cause offense or lead others to doubt their character or intentions. They should maintain restraint of the faculties (indriya-saṃvara), meaning the highest degree of control over the sense faculties (indriya)—not merely guarding the sense organs from alluring objects, but also preserving integrity and clear discernment in all one's actions.