Xct Mu Bu Pm Sk 51Round Mouthful
Pāli / Sanskrit:Parimaṇḍala
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Parimaṇḍala Sutta (Rule on the Round Mouthful)
Background
The Parimaṇḍala Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, within the detailed regulations concerning the practice of the monastic community. The Vinaya Piṭaka is a collection of principles and specific actions that ordained disciples must observe in order to protect integrity, preserve the harmony of the religious community, and support the process of practice leading to liberation.
This sutta is recorded in the section concerning specific conduct in the daily life of monks and nuns. Although the title “Round Mouthful” may seem simple, it refers to a profound matter related to the manner of conduct, speech, and interaction of a practitioner within the Sangha community.
Main Content
The specific content of this sutta has not yet been fully translated, yet from the context and title in the Vinaya Piṭaka, we may understand that the Parimaṇḍala Sutta concerns rules about eating and drinking, especially the way the mouth is used when receiving food or engaging socially within the Sangha community.
In the Theravāda tradition, eating and drinking are not merely the satisfaction of physiological needs but also a step in the path of practice. Thus the manner of receiving food, from posture, the way the mouth is opened, to awareness while eating, is regarded as an expression of mental discipline (adhicitta-sikkhā). This sutta may indicate that a practitioner should control the manner of eating and drinking, avoiding eager, greedy, or unmindful actions.
Notably, the term “Parimaṇḍala” (circle, round shape) in the Vinaya context may suggest an archetypal image of completeness, stability, or proper observance. This relates to maintaining good habits consistently and thoroughly.
Practical Meaning
The Parimaṇḍala Sutta teaches us that in practice there is no small part that can be overlooked.
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