patimokkha: Not to open the mouth before the food reaches its level. (Sekhiya 41)

Reread rule Sekhiya 41 of the monastic rules.

Not to open the mouth before the food reaches its level.

Today was a timely day to read it. 

One can take it literally, as not to open one's physical mouth before the food goes to the mouth. This is a practice of reflection, patience, slowing down, mindfulness.

I'm taking it an additional way. To reflect on my pleasure seeking mouth. This relates to the scan&find mentality for distractions and escapes. Like prowling for Netflix, or distractions by cute women. I want to keep that "feeding" partially in check. There are some desires to be enjoyed. But carefully. Like joy in renunciation. Joy in picking a less harmful alternative.

Delight in developing.

Delight in abandoning.

Uudr