Overview
The survival of the Theravāda monastic order depends on a system of mutual reliance. Monks give the gift of the Dhamma, and laypeople sustain them physically through the four standard requisites (paccaya). These four categories encompass the absolute baseline of material support allowed to a monk to keep his body healthy for spiritual work.
The List
- Cīvara-paccaya - Robe Requisite: Providing cloth, needles, dye, or finished robes to shield the monastic body from weather and maintain modesty.
- Piṇḍapāta-paccaya - Almsfood Requisite: Providing daily nutritious meals inside the monk’s bowl to sustain life and energy.
- Senāsana-paccaya - Lodging Requisite: Constructing or providing simple dwellings, caves, beds, or meditation walkways to secure physical isolation.
- Gilānappaccaya-bhesajja-paccaya - Medical Requisite: Providing tonics, roots, herbs, oils, or modern remedies to cure sickness and relieve physical pain.
Textual References
- Canonical: Pinḍapātapārisiddhi Sutta (MN 151) – The Buddha instructs monks to reflect deeply upon these four received requisites to ensure they use them without internal greed.