5 / 13 · Alms food
Eating at a single sitting
Taking the day’s food in one sitting, and not eating again after rising.
- Author
- Dhutanga.org Editorial Team
- Review
- Doctrinal review pending
- Tradition
- Theravada, with comparative notes
- Published
- Last reviewed
- Pali name
- Ekāsanikaṅga
- Group
- Alms food
Meaning
Ekāsana means “one seat”. The practitioner eats the day’s meal at one session rather than at several.
How it is practised
Having sat down to eat, the practitioner eats sufficient food and, once the meal is finished, takes no further food that day.
Grades of strictness
The commentary describes a strict grade in which nothing more is taken once one has begun, a medium grade in which one may continue while food remains in the bowl, and a mild grade in which one may continue as long as one has not risen from the seat.
Benefits described in the tradition
- Simplicity and fewer interruptions to practice
- Reduced preoccupation with food
- Contentment and ease
When the observance lapses
The observance lapses when food is eaten at a second session.
Context today
Many Theravada monasteries keep a one-meal routine. The tradition also mentions this practice as one that lay followers may undertake — but health, age, medication and work must come first. Seek medical advice before changing how you eat.