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Why
cannot a bhikkhu receive food offered by bhikkhuni?
In Patidesaniya,
one section in the Patimokkha, we find such a prohibition. Checking
in the Vibhanga, where we learn the historical context of the
rule, we found an interesting story. An elder bhikkhuni of 120
years old went for aims in the city at the distance of 4 to
5 kms. Upon her return a young monk was waiting with his empty
bowl. Out of respect for monks as prescribed in the Garudharma,
she reverently offered him her alms received for that day. The
young monk got an idea of not having to go all the way for alms
himself and received alms from the same nun on the following
day also. On the third day, the bhikkhuni went for alms in the
city. While roaming in the city a chariot passed near her path.
She took a step aside, fell down and fainted. The millionaire
who was riding that chariot came out to make inquiry and learned
from her that she fainted out of hunger and tiredness, as she
had not eaten for three days. Upon learning the reason the millionaire
criticised the young monk and later brought this to the attention
of the Buddha. From then on, to protect the nuns from being
taken advantage of, the Buddha laid down the rule for the monks
not to receive alms from bhikkhunis.
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