Bi Sk 2828. Not receiving with attention on the almsbowl
Pāli / Sanskrit:Pattasaññīpaṭiggahaṇa
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Commentary on Bhikkhunī Sekhiya 28: Not Receiving the Almsbowl with Mindfulness
Background
The rule Pattasaññīpaṭiggahaṇa (Not receiving the almsbowl with mindfulness) appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Sutta — the rules of conduct for bhikkhunīs. The background of this rule reflects the early period of the Buddhist Sangha, when regulations concerning composure and mental focus in daily actions were established in precise detail.
In the Vinaya Piṭaka, carrying the almsbowl (patta) — the vessel used by monastics for receiving food — is not merely a mundane activity, but carries profound spiritual significance. The almsbowl is a symbol of humility, of dependence upon the compassion of the lay community, and constitutes a daily occasion for the bhikkhunī to cultivate mindfulness. Accordingly, the manner in which the almsbowl is received — that is, the receiving of food and other offerings — is clearly prescribed.
Main Content
This rule stipulates that a bhikkhunī should not receive the almsbowl in a careless or haphazard manner, but must perform this action with full mindfulness (sati). Specifically, the receiving of the almsbowl is to be carried out with concentrated attention focused upon the action as it is taking place, and not mechanically or with a wandering mind.
This rule is not simply about the method of receiving material offerings. It is an instrument for training the mind, an occasion for the practitioner to sustain firm practice of the path — that is, wakefulness in each and every action. When a bhikkhunī receives the almsbowl without mindfulness, the mind easily falls into a state of heedlessness, greed, or ingratitude. Conversely, when the almsbowl is received with mindfulness, the mind remains alert, humble, and grateful.
The act of receiving is also a moment for the bhikkhunī to recollect the purpose underlying her inner qualities: food is provided to sustain the health of the body for the sake of practicing the Dharma, and not for the pursuit of sensual pleasure. This is an opportunity to cultivate a mental attitude free from greed, free from aversion, and free from delusion in the receiving of what is essential.
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