Bu Sk 4040. Not making rounded mouthfuls
Pāli / Sanskrit:Parimaṇḍala
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The Parimaṇḍala Sutta — On Not Making a Rounded Mouthful
Background
The Parimaṇḍala Sutta (Pāli: pari = around; maṇḍala = round, circle) is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of Theravāda Buddhism, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Saṁyutta (the collection of rules for bhikkhunīs). It is one of those rules concerning dress and eating behavior that may appear minor, yet carries profound significance with regard to the governance of the mind and integrity in the conduct of monastic life.
The circumstances giving rise to this text concern bhikkhunīs who were not eating in a proper manner. The Buddha, upon observing the conduct of his female disciples, pointed out faults in their posture and method of eating, and from this delivered a teaching intended to help them cultivate mindfulness (sati) and restraint of the sense faculties (indriyasaṁvara).
Main Content
This sutta stipulates that bhikkhunīs should not form a "rounded mouthful" when eating rice. This means one should not stuff too much food into the mouth at one time, causing the cheeks to puff out into a full, rounded shape. Instead, the act of eating should be carried out gently, carefully, and with mindfulness.
The act of eating is regarded as an opportunity to train the mind. When one eats with mindfulness, the practitioner is clearly aware of each action — from lifting the spoon to the mouth, to chewing, and to swallowing. This develops mindfulness (sati) and helps prevent unconscious actions that might be considered undignified or unbecoming to the pure conduct of those in the renunciant life.
More specifically, not forming a "rounded mouthful" also reflects a subtle principle of conduct: avoiding what may appear greedy, ungracious, or coarse. In the Theravāda tradition, this relates to the concept of the Pātimokkha (the full code of precepts) — even minor rules serve the purpose of cultivating character and refining the mind.
Practical Significance
The Parimaṇḍala Sutta is not merely a rule of hygiene or social etiquette, but a comprehensive instrument of practice.
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