Xct Mu Bu Pm Sk 41Receiving Even Level
Pāli / Sanskrit:Samatittika
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Exposition of the Samatittika Discourse (Receiving Equally)
Context
The Samatittika discourse appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, specifically in the Pāṭimokkha section, the basic code of discipline for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. This is not an ordinary teaching discourse, but a regulation of Sangha discipline intended to protect harmony and spiritual development in the community of practice.
In the historical context, Buddhists of old encountered difficulties when receiving support (dāna) from laypeople. The question was not only whether to receive or not, but how to receive in accordance with the principles of practice. The Samatittika discourse refers to the principle of “receiving alms equally,” meaning that bhikkhus should not discriminate or show partiality in receiving the requisites necessary for practice.
Main Content
Samatittika (from Pāli: sama = equal, titthika = receiving, taking) instructs that when the Sangha receives offerings, they must not be divided according to personal preference or priority for certain members. This principle speaks not only of material things, but also of an attitude of equality within the community of practice.
Specifically, when laypeople offer food, robes, or necessary requisites to the Sangha, distribution must follow the rule of fairness and must not be biased. A bhikkhu of great talent or reputation should not receive more than others for that reason. Conversely, a learned Dharma teacher should not refuse to receive alms at the same level as other members.
This deeply reflects Buddhist philosophy: all beings have Buddha-nature, and all practitioners have an equal capacity for liberation. No one is fundamentally superior to another. Differences in cultivated virtue are the result of individual effort, not a basis for dividing resources.
Practical Meaning
Samatittika teaches a broad lesson about social justice and collective management.
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