Xct Mu Bu Vb Sk 71Na sāmiṣeṇodakenāntarikaṁ bhikṣuṁ

Commentary on the Discourse: Na sāmiṣeṇodakenāntarikaṁ bhikṣuṁ

Background

This discourse appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka, the sacred collection that regulates bhikkhus in the Theravāda Buddha-Dharma tradition. The title “Na sāmiṣeṇodakenāntarikaṁ bhikṣuṁ” may be loosely rendered as “a bhikkhu should not be sprinkled with greasy meat-water.” This is a regulation in Skt Mu Bu Vb Sk, the section of monastic regulations in the Vinaya, where the Buddha and the elders established prohibitions for renunciant practice.

The background of the discourse is connected to specific situations within the community of monks and nuns. When bhikkhus violated rules or encountered special circumstances, the Blessed Buddha would explain the principle and establish prohibitions to protect the resolve for the path, purity, and the spirit of practice of those gone forth. This discourse gives concrete form to those principles.

Main Content

The discourse concerns matters related to the nourishment and care of bhikkhus. According to Theravāda philosophy, renunciants live by receiving alms from laypeople, and therefore are not permitted to seek out or choose food too selectively. However, when a bhikkhu is ill or weak, there are certain exceptions in the rules.

The title of the discourse points out one matter: a bhikkhu should not be sprinkled with or treated using greasy meat-water (sāmiṣa + odaka) as a method of care or illness treatment. This reflects a Buddhist philosophical principle: minimizing attachment to material things and to things that stimulate craving. Greasy meat is regarded as strongly stimulating food, unsuitable for the solitary and disciplined life of one gone forth.

Although the Vinaya contains regulations concerning the treatment of sick bhikkhus, such as the use of medicine, honey, and plant oils, the traditional account excludes greasy meat because it both violates the spirit of humility and affects the mindfulness of purity.