Disclaimer: This translation does not guarantee complete accuracy, please confirm with the original page text.
7.1
Nature of the Vow
167
Answer - The vow of abstaining from night eating, known as raatribhojanaviramana, has been well-known for a long time, but in reality, it is not a fundamental vow; rather, it is a type of necessary vow that is derived from the fundamental vow. There are many such ancillary vows, and one can also conceive of them. However, here it is essential to elucidate the fundamental vow. The ancillary vows that are derived from the fundamental vow do fall under its broad explanation. The vow of abstaining from night eating is one among many vows that emerge from the vow of non-violence.
Question - Considering the destruction of unseen creatures in the dark and the various beginnings caused by lighting a lamp, the vow of abstaining from night eating is regarded as a part of the vow of non-violence. But in places where there is no darkness and the context of starting something because of a lamp is absent, such as in cold regions and where electric light is easily available, what is the difference in terms of violence between night meals and daytime meals?
Answer - In warmer countries and in the arrangement of old-style lamps, the aspect of visible violence is more pronounced in night eating compared to daytime eating. Accepting this fact and also considering that in certain circumstances, there may not be any particular context of increased violence at night compared to the day, the general community perspective, especially in terms of an ascetic life, tends to regard daytime meals as particularly commendable compared to night meals. The reasons for this belief are briefly as follows:
1. While light from electricity or the moon may seem pleasant, it is not universal, unbroken, and health-giving like sunlight. Therefore, where both are possible, sunlight is more beneficial for the community's health.
2. The essence of the practice of renunciation is satisfaction. From this perspective, it is appropriate to eliminate the eating activity along with all other activities during the day and to allow the stomach to rest with contentment at night. This leads to good sleep and helps in maintaining celibacy, thereby promoting health.
3. If one has to choose between daytime and nighttime meals from the perspective of satisfaction, the inclination of a vigilant and wise mind will be toward daytime meals. The life histories of great saints to date attest to this truth.