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The Four Reflections on Requisites
Practice

The Four Reflections on Requisites

Cattāro paccavekkhaṇā

Reflecting before using the four requisites — clothing, food, dwelling and medicine — on what they are for. One question that turns consumption into practice.

4 points

In the Sabbāsava Sutta, the Buddha teaches that some taints are abandoned by wise use: a monk reflects wisely before using each of the four requisites on what it is for. Without such reflection, taints and distress arise; with it, they do not.

These reflections became a daily chant for Thai monastics, known as the reflection at the moment of use and the reflection after use.

Though originally taught to monks, the principle applies to anyone who wears clothes, eats, lives somewhere and takes medicine.

  1. 1

    Robes — clothing Cīvaraṃ paṭisevati yāvadeva sītassa paṭighātāya

    Wearing clothing only to ward off cold and heat, contact with flies, mosquitoes, wind, sun and creeping things, and only to cover what should be covered out of modesty.

    Applying it in daily life

    Before buying new clothes, ask whether you're buying to use them, or to make others see you a certain way.

  2. 2

    Almsfood — food Piṇḍapātaṃ paṭisevati neva davāya na madāya

    Eating not for fun, not for intoxication, not for beautification or adornment, but only to sustain this body, to end hunger, to support the holy life — ending old feelings and not arousing new ones, so that living will be easy and blameless.

    Applying it in daily life

    Pause for one breath before each meal and ask whether you're eating from hunger, or from boredom, stress or because it's time.

  3. 3

    Lodging — dwelling Senāsanaṃ paṭisevati

    Using a dwelling only to ward off cold and heat, contact with creatures and the dangers of the elements, and to enjoy seclusion.

    Applying it in daily life

    A home is for rest and peace. If maintaining or decorating it has become a mental burden, try reducing what isn't needed.

  4. 4

    Medicine for the sick Gilānapaccayabhesajjaparikkhāraṃ paṭisevati

    Using medicine only to ward off painful feelings arising from illness and for the greatest freedom from affliction.

    Applying it in daily life

    This doesn't forbid treating illness, but reminds you to use medicines and health products according to real need, not advertising.

Try it in daily life

In an age when consumption is designed to happen without thought, these reflections insert a short pause before using something: ask "What is this for?" before buying clothes, before eating, before decorating your home, and before taking medicines or supplements.

The answer in keeping with the discourse is: for the body's genuine needs and to live a good life. Answers like "for fun", "to show off" or "for beauty beyond need" are where the taints slip in.

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