四分戒本疏卷第一．第二．第三 3.67

3.67

Precept Thirty-Three: Eating in a Separate Group.

The intention of the precept is twofold: First, out of compassion for laypeople. Because measured food is limited, it is difficult for affairs to encompass everyone universally; a few people are easy to feed, whereas many will exhaust [their resources]. Causing annoyance and heavy loss, eating in a separate group was therefore prohibited. Second, in order to restrain difficult-to-train people. Fearing that they would form separate-group karmavācanās by themselves to annoy the Saṅgha, eating in a separate group was therefore not permitted.

Next, explaining the name: The persons able to separate form a group at the dining place. Because they separate themselves from others as a group and do not share the same flavor together, it is called the precept against eating in a separate group.

Next, explaining the completion of conditions. The general conditions are known from above. There are seven specific conditions: 1. There is a donor. 2. A separate invitation or separate begging. 3. The substance of the five proper foods is pure and within the proper time. 4. A group is formed at the dining place. 5. Knowing that the assembly within the boundary is not fully gathered. 6. There is no special circumstance. 7. Committing [the offense] upon eating. Below, the Prātimokṣa text is properly clarified. This precept arose because Devadatta, together with five monks, begged for food house to house; thus the Buddha instituted this precept.