Bathing

At one time the Buddha was staying at Rājagaha in the Bamboo Grove, the squirrel sanctuary. Tena samayena buddho bhagavā rājagahe viharati veḷuvane kalandakanivāpe. At that time the monks from the group of six rubbed their bodies—thighs, arms, chest, and back—against trees while bathing. Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū nahāyamānā rukkhe kāyaṁ ugghaṁsenti, ūrumpi bāhumpi urampi piṭṭhimpi. People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“How can the Sakyan monastics do this? They’re just like boxers and city slickers who beautify their bodies!” “kathañhi nāma samaṇā sakyaputtiyā nahāyamānā rukkhe kāyaṁ ugghaṁsessanti, ūrumpi bāhumpi urampi piṭṭhimpi, seyyathāpi mallamuṭṭhikā gāmamoddavā”ti. The monks heard the complaints of those people Assosuṁ kho bhikkhū tesaṁ manussānaṁ ujjhāyantānaṁ khiyyantānaṁ vipācentānaṁ. and they told the Buddha. Atha kho te bhikkhū bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ. Soon afterwards the Buddha had the Sangha gathered and questioned the monks: Atha kho bhagavā etasmiṁ nidāne etasmiṁ pakaraṇe bhikkhusaṅghaṁ sannipātāpetvā bhikkhū paṭipucchi—

“Is it true, monks, that the monks from the group of six are doing this?” “saccaṁ kira, bhikkhave, chabbaggiyā bhikkhū nahāyamānā rukkhe kāyaṁ ugghaṁsenti, ūrumpi bāhumpi urampi piṭṭhimpī”ti?

“It’s true, sir.” “Saccaṁ, bhagavā”ti.

The Buddha rebuked them, Vigarahi buddho bhagavā—“It’s not suitable for those foolish men, it’s not proper, it’s not worthy of a monastic, it’s not allowable, it’s not to be done. “ananucchavikaṁ, bhikkhave, tesaṁ moghapurisānaṁ ananulomikaṁ appatirūpaṁ assāmaṇakaṁ akappiyaṁ akaraṇīyaṁ. How can they do this? Kathañhi nāma te, bhikkhave, moghapurisā nahāyamānā rukkhe kāyaṁ ugghaṁsessanti, ūrumpi bāhumpi urampi piṭṭhimpi? This will affect people’s confidence …” Netaṁ, bhikkhave, appasannānaṁ vā pasādāya …pe… After rebuking them … vigarahitvā …pe… the Buddha gave a teaching and addressed the monks: dhammiṁ kathaṁ katvā bhikkhū āmantesi—

“You shouldn’t rub your body against a tree while bathing. “na, bhikkhave, nahāyamānena bhikkhunā rukkhe kāyo ugghaṁsetabbo. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo ugghaṁseyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

At that time the monks from the group of six rubbed their bodies—thighs, arms, chest, and back—against posts while bathing. Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū nahāyamānā thambhe kāyaṁ ugghaṁsenti, ūrumpi bāhumpi urampi piṭṭhimpi. People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“How can the Sakyan monastics do this? They’re just like boxers and city slickers who beautify their bodies!” “kathañhi nāma samaṇā sakyaputtiyā nahāyamānā thambhe kāyaṁ ugghaṁsessanti, ūrumpi bāhumpi urampi piṭṭhimpi, seyyathāpi mallamuṭṭhikā gāmamoddavā”ti. The monks heard the complaints of those people Assosuṁ kho bhikkhū tesaṁ manussānaṁ ujjhāyantānaṁ khiyyantānaṁ vipācentānaṁ. and they told the Buddha. … Atha kho te bhikkhū bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ …pe… “It’s true, sir.” … “saccaṁ, bhagavā”ti …pe… After rebuking them … vigarahitvā …pe… the Buddha gave a teaching and addressed the monks: dhammiṁ kathaṁ katvā bhikkhū āmantesi—

“You shouldn’t rub your body against a post while bathing. “na, bhikkhave, nahāyamānena bhikkhunā thambhe kāyo ugghaṁsetabbo. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo ugghaṁseyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

At that time the monks from the group of six rubbed their bodies—thighs, arms, chest, and back—against walls while bathing. Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū nahāyamānā kuṭṭe kāyaṁ ugghaṁsenti, ūrumpi bāhumpi urampi piṭṭhimpi. People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“How can the Sakyan monastics do this? They’re just like boxers and city slickers who beautify their bodies!” … “kathañhi nāma samaṇā sakyaputtiyā nahāyamānā kuṭṭe kāyaṁ ugghaṁsessanti, ūrumpi bāhumpi urampi piṭṭhimpi, seyyathāpi mallamuṭṭhikā gāmamoddavā”ti …pe…

“You shouldn’t rub your body against a wall while bathing. “na, bhikkhave, nahāyamānena bhikkhunā kuṭṭe kāyo ugghaṁsetabbo. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo ugghaṁseyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

At that time the monks from the group of six rubbed their bodies—thighs, arms, chest, and back—against a rubbing board while bathing. Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū aṭṭāne nahāyanti. People complained and criticized them, “How can the Sakyan monastics do this? Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti …pe… They’re just like householders who indulge in worldly pleasures!” seyyathāpi gihī kāmabhogino”ti. Assosuṁ kho bhikkhū tesaṁ manussānaṁ ujjhāyantānaṁ khiyyantānaṁ vipācentānaṁ. Atha kho te bhikkhū bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ …pe… “saccaṁ, bhagavā”ti …pe… vigarahitvā …pe… dhammiṁ kathaṁ katvā bhikkhū āmantesi—

“You shouldn’t rub your body against a rubbing board while bathing. “na, bhikkhave, aṭṭāne nahāyitabbaṁ. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo nahāyeyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

At that time the monks from the group of six bathed with a wooden rubbing-hand. Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū gandhabbahatthakena nahāyanti. People complained and criticized them, “How can the Sakyan monastics do this? Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti …pe… They’re just like householders who indulge in worldly pleasures!” seyyathāpi gihī kāmabhogino”ti. The monks heard the complaints of those people Assosuṁ kho bhikkhū tesaṁ manussānaṁ ujjhāyantānaṁ khiyyantānaṁ vipācentānaṁ. and they told the Buddha. Atha kho te bhikkhū bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ …pe…

“You shouldn’t bathe with a wooden rubbing-hand. “na, bhikkhave, gandhabbahatthakena nahāyitabbaṁ. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo nahāyeyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

At that time the monks from the group of six bathed with a string of cinnabar beads. Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū kuruvindakasuttiyā nahāyanti. People complained and criticized them, “How can the Sakyan monastics do this? Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti …pe… They’re just like householders who indulge in worldly pleasures!” seyyathāpi gihī kāmabhoginoti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t bathe with a string of cinnabar beads. “Na, bhikkhave, kuruvindakasuttiyā nahāyitabbaṁ. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo nahāyeyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

At that time the monks from the group of six massaged one another. Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū viggayha parikammaṁ kārāpenti. People complained and criticized them, “How can the Sakyan monastics do this? Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti …pe… They’re just like householders who indulge in worldly pleasures!” seyyathāpi gihī kāmabhogino”ti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t massage one another. “Na, bhikkhave, viggayha parikammaṁ kārāpetabbaṁ. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo kārāpeyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

At that time the monks from the group of six bathed with an ornamented scrubber. Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū mallakena nahāyanti. People complained and criticized them, “How can the Sakyan monastics do this? Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti …pe… They’re just like householders who indulge in worldly pleasures!” … seyyathāpi gihī kāmabhogino”ti. They told the Buddha. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t bathe with an ornamented scrubber. “Na, bhikkhave, mallakena nahāyitabbaṁ. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo nahāyeyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

Soon afterwards a certain monk had an itchy skin disease. Tena kho pana samayena aññatarassa bhikkhuno kacchurogābādho hoti. He was not comfortable without a scrubber. Na tassa vinā mallakena phāsu hoti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow a plain scrubber for those who are sick.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, gilānassa akatamallakan”ti.

At that time a monk who was weak from old age was unable to rub his own body while bathing. Tena kho pana samayena aññataro bhikkhu jarādubbalo nahāyamāno na sakkoti attano kāyaṁ ugghaṁsetuṁ. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow gloves of cloth.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, ukkāsikan”ti.

Being afraid of wrongdoing, the monks did not give back massages. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū piṭṭhiparikammaṁ kātuṁ kukkuccāyanti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow a massage with the flat of the hand.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, puthupāṇikan”ti.

Personal beautification

At that time the monks from the group of six wore earrings, Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū vallikaṁ dhārenti …pe… ornamental hanging strings, pāmaṅgaṁ dhārenti …pe… necklaces, kaṇṭhasuttakaṁ dhārenti …pe… ornamental girdles, kaṭisuttakaṁ dhārenti …pe… bangles, ovaṭṭikaṁ dhārenti …pe… armlets, kāyuraṁ dhārenti …pe… bracelets, hatthābharaṇaṁ dhārenti …pe… and rings. aṅgulimuddikaṁ dhārenti. People complained and criticized them … Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti …pe… “… They’re just like householders who indulge in worldly pleasures!” seyyathāpi gihī kāmabhogino”ti. The monks heard the complaints of those people. Assosuṁ kho bhikkhū tesaṁ manussānaṁ ujjhāyantānaṁ khiyyantānaṁ vipācentānaṁ. They told the Buddha. Atha kho te bhikkhū bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“Is it true, monks, that the monks from the group of six are wearing these things?” “Saccaṁ kira, bhikkhave, chabbaggiyā bhikkhū vallikaṁ dhārenti …pe… pāmaṅgaṁ dhārenti, kaṇṭhasuttakaṁ dhārenti, kaṭisuttakaṁ dhārenti, ovaṭṭikaṁ dhārenti, kāyuraṁ dhārenti, hatthābharaṇaṁ dhārenti, aṅgulimuddikaṁ dhārentī”ti? “It’s true, sir.” … “Saccaṁ, bhagavā”ti …pe… After rebuking them … vigarahitvā …pe… the Buddha gave a teaching and addressed the monks: dhammiṁ kathaṁ katvā bhikkhū āmantesi—

“You shouldn’t wear earrings, “na, bhikkhave, vallikā dhāretabbā …pe… an ornamental hanging string, na pāmaṅgo dhāretabbo … a necklace, na kaṇṭhasuttakaṁ dhāretabbaṁ … an ornamental girdle, na kaṭisuttakaṁ dhāretabbaṁ … a bangle, na ovaṭṭikaṁ dhāretabbaṁ … an armlet, na kāyuraṁ dhāretabbaṁ … a bracelet, na hatthābharaṇaṁ dhāretabbaṁ … or a ring. na aṅgulimuddikā dhāretabbā. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo dhāreyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

At that time the monks from the group of six grew their hair long. Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū dīghe kese dhārenti. People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“They’re just like householders who indulge in worldly pleasures!” “seyyathāpi gihī kāmabhogino”ti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t grow your hair long. “Na, bhikkhave, dīghā kesā dhāretabbā. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct. Yo dhāreyya, āpatti dukkaṭassa. I allow you to grow it to a length of 3.5 centimeters or for two months at the most.” Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, dumāsikaṁ vā duvaṅgulaṁ vā”ti.

At that time the monks from the group of six brushed their hair, Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū kocchena kese osaṇṭhenti …pe… and they combed it, combed it with their hands, smoothed it with beeswax, and smoothed it with water and oil. phaṇakena kese osaṇṭhenti, hatthaphaṇakena kese osaṇṭhenti, sitthatelakena kese osaṇṭhenti, udakatelakena kese osaṇṭhenti. People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“They’re just like householders who indulge in worldly pleasures!” “seyyathāpi gihī kāmabhogino”ti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t brush your hair, or comb it, comb it with your hands, “Na, bhikkhave, kocchena kesā osaṇṭhetabbā …pe… smooth it with beeswax, na sitthatelakena kesā osaṇṭhetabbā … or smooth it with water and oil. na udakatelakena kesā osaṇṭhetabbā. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo osaṇṭheyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

At that time the monks from the group of six looked at their faces in mirrors and in bowls of water. Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū ādāsepi udakapattepi mukhanimittaṁ olokenti. People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“They’re just like householders who indulge in worldly pleasures!” “seyyathāpi gihī kāmabhogino”ti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t look at your face in a mirror or in a bowl of water. “Na, bhikkhave, ādāse vā udakapatte vā mukhanimittaṁ oloketabbaṁ. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo olokeyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

Soon afterwards a certain monk had a sore on his face. Tena kho pana samayena aññatarassa bhikkhuno mukhe vaṇo hoti. He asked the monks, So bhikkhū pucchi—“What kind of sore is it?” “kīdiso me, āvuso, vaṇo”ti? They replied, Bhikkhū evamāhaṁsu—“It’s this kind of sore.” “ediso te, āvuso vaṇo”ti. He did not trust them. So na saddahati. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow you to look at your face in a mirror or in a bowl of water if you have a disease.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, ābādhappaccayā ādāse vā udakapatte vā mukhanimittaṁ oloketun”ti.

At that time the monks from the group of six used facial ointments, Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū mukhaṁ ālimpanti …pe… applied facial creams, powdered their face, applied rouge to their face, wore cosmetics on the body, wore cosmetics on the face, and wore cosmetics on the body and face. mukhaṁ ummaddenti, mukhaṁ cuṇṇenti, manosilikāya mukhaṁ lañchenti, aṅgarāgaṁ karonti, mukharāgaṁ karonti, aṅgarāgamukharāgaṁ karonti. People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“They’re just like householders who indulge in worldly pleasures!” “seyyathāpi gihī kāmabhogino”ti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t use facial ointments, “Na, bhikkhave, mukhaṁ ālimpitabbaṁ …pe… apply facial creams, powder your face, apply rouge to your face, wear cosmetics on the body, wear cosmetics on the face, or wear cosmetics on the body and face. na mukhaṁ ummadditabbaṁ, na mukhaṁ cuṇṇetabbaṁ, na manosilikāya mukhaṁ lañchetabbaṁ, na aṅgarāgo kātabbo, na mukharāgo kātabbo, na aṅgarāgamukharāgo kātabbo. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo kareyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

Soon afterwards a certain monk had an eye disease. Tena kho pana samayena aññatarassa bhikkhuno cakkhurogābādho hoti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow facial ointments for those who are sick.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, ābādhappaccayā mukhaṁ ālimpitun”ti.

Entertainment, etc.

On one occasion in Rājagaha there was a hilltop fair, Tena kho pana samayena rājagahe giraggasamajjo hoti. and the monks from the group of six went to see it. Chabbaggiyā bhikkhū giraggasamajjaṁ dassanāya agamaṁsu. People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“How can the Sakyan monastics go and see dancing, singing, and music? They’re just like householders who indulge in worldly pleasures!” “kathañhi nāma samaṇā sakyaputtiyā naccampi gītampi vāditampi dassanāya gacchissanti, seyyathāpi gihī kāmabhogino”ti. They told the Buddha. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t go and see dancing, singing, and music. “Na, bhikkhave, naccaṁ vā gītaṁ vā vāditaṁ vā dassanāya gantabbaṁ. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo gaccheyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

At that time the monks from the group of six were singing the Teaching with a drawn-out voice. Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū āyatakena gītassarena dhammaṁ gāyanti. People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“These Sakyan monastics sing with a drawn-out voice just like we do.” “yatheva mayaṁ gāyāma, evamevime samaṇā sakyaputtiyā āyatakena gītassarena dhammaṁ gāyantī”ti. The monks heard the complaints of those people, Assosuṁ kho bhikkhū tesaṁ manussānaṁ ujjhāyantānaṁ khiyyantānaṁ vipācentānaṁ. and the monks of few desires complained and criticized them, Ye te bhikkhū appicchā …pe… te ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“How can the monks from the group of six sing like this?” “kathañhi nāma chabbaggiyā bhikkhū āyatakena gītassarena dhammaṁ gāyissantī”ti. They told the Buddha. Atha kho te bhikkhū bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“Is it true, monks, that the monks from the group of six are singing like this?” “Saccaṁ kira, bhikkhave …pe… “It’s true, sir.” … “saccaṁ, bhagavā”ti …pe… the Buddha gave a teaching and addressed the monks: dhammiṁ kathaṁ katvā bhikkhū āmantesi—

You shouldn’t sing the Teaching with a drawn-out voice. Na, bhikkhave, āyatakena gītassarena dhammo gāyitabbo. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo gāyeyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

Being afraid of wrongdoing, the monks did not chant. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū sarabhaññe kukkuccāyanti. They told the Buddha. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow chanting.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, sarabhaññan”ti.

At that time the monks from the group of six wore fleecy woolen robes with fleece on the outside. Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū bāhiralomiṁ uṇṇiṁ dhārenti. People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“They’re just like householders who indulge in worldly pleasures!” “seyyathāpi gihī kāmabhogino”ti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t wear a fleecy woolen robe with fleece on the outside. “Na, bhikkhave, bāhiyalomi uṇṇi dhāretabbā. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo dhāreyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

Fruit

On one occasion when the mango trees in King Bimbisāra’s park were bearing fruit, Tena kho pana samayena rañño māgadhassa seniyassa bimbisārassa ārāme ambā phalino honti. the king allowed the monks Raññā māgadhena seniyena bimbisārena anuññātaṁ hoti—to eat as many mangoes as they wished. “yathāsukhaṁ ayyā ambaṁ paribhuñjantū”ti. The monks from the group of six plucked and ate them all, even the unripe ones. Chabbaggiyā bhikkhū taruṇaññeva ambaṁ pātāpetvā paribhuñjiṁsu. Just then the king needed mangoes. Rañño ca māgadhassa seniyassa bimbisārassa ambena attho hoti. He told his people, Atha kho rājā māgadho seniyo bimbisāro manusse āṇāpesi—“Go to the park and bring back mangoes.” “gacchatha, bhaṇe, ārāmaṁ gantvā ambaṁ āharathā”ti. Saying, “Yes, sir,” they went to the park and said to the park keeper, “Evaṁ, devā”ti kho te manussā rañño māgadhassa seniyassa bimbisārassa paṭissutvā ārāmaṁ gantvā ārāmapālaṁ etadavocuṁ—“The king needs mangoes. Please get some.” “devassa, bhaṇe, ambena attho, ambaṁ dethā”ti.

“There aren’t any. “Natthāyyā, ambaṁ. The monks plucked and ate them all, including the unripe ones.” Taruṇaññeva ambaṁ pātāpetvā bhikkhū paribhuñjiṁsū”ti.

They reported it to the king. He said, Atha kho te manussā rañño māgadhassa seniyassa bimbisārassa etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ. “It’s good that the venerables have eaten the mangoes. Still, the Buddha has praised moderation.” “Suparibhuttaṁ, bhaṇe, ayyehi ambaṁ, api ca bhagavatā mattā vaṇṇitā”ti.

People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“How can the Sakyan monastics eat the king’s mangoes without moderation?” “kathañhi nāma samaṇā sakyaputtiyā na mattaṁ jānitvā rañño ambaṁ paribhuñjissantī”ti. The monks heard the complaints of those people Assosuṁ kho bhikkhū tesaṁ manussānaṁ ujjhāyantānaṁ khiyyantānaṁ vipācentānaṁ. and then told the Buddha. Atha kho te bhikkhū bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t eat mangoes. “Na, bhikkhave, ambaṁ paribhuñjitabbaṁ. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo paribhuñjeyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

Soon afterwards a certain association was offering a meal to the Sangha. Tena kho pana samayena aññatarassa pūgassa saṅghabhattaṁ hoti. They had prepared mango curry. Sūpe ambapesikāyo pakkhittā honti. Being afraid of wrongdoing, the monks did not accept it. Bhikkhū kukkuccāyantā nappaṭiggaṇhanti …pe…

“Accept, monks, and eat it. “paṭiggaṇhatha, bhikkhave, paribhuñjatha. I allow pieces of mango.” Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, ambapesikan”ti.

Soon afterwards a certain association was offering a meal to the Sangha. Tena kho pana samayena aññatarassa pūgassa saṅghabhattaṁ hoti. They were unable to prepare mango pieces and so gave whole mangoes in the dining hall. Te na pariyāpuṇiṁsu ambapesikaṁ kātuṁ, bhattagge sakaleheva ambehi denti. Being afraid of wrongdoing, the monks did not accept them. Bhikkhū kukkuccāyantā nappaṭiggaṇhanti.

“Accept, monks, and eat it. “Paṭiggaṇhatha, bhikkhave, paribhuñjatha. I allow you to eat fruit that’s allowable for monastics for any of five reasons: Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, pañcahi samaṇakappehi phalaṁ paribhuñjituṁ—it’s been damaged by fire, a knife, or a fingernail, or it’s seedless, or the seeds have been removed.” aggiparicitaṁ, satthaparicitaṁ, nakhaparicitaṁ, abījaṁ, nibbattabījaññeva pañcamaṁ. Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, imehi pañcahi samaṇakappehi phalaṁ paribhuñjitun”ti.

Protection

On one occasion a monk had been bitten by a snake and died. Tena kho pana samayena aññataro bhikkhu ahinā daṭṭho kālaṅkato hoti. They told the Buddha. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“That monk hadn’t spread good will to the four royal snake clans. “Na hi nūna so, bhikkhave, bhikkhu imāni cattāri ahirājakulāni mettena cittena phari. Had he done so, he wouldn’t have died. Sace hi so, bhikkhave, bhikkhu imāni cattāri ahirājakulāni mettena cittena phareyya, na hi so, bhikkhave, bhikkhu ahinā daṭṭho kālaṁ kareyya. What are the four clans? Katamāni cattāri ahirājakulāni? The Virūpakkhas, the Erāpathas, the Chabyāputtas, and the Kaṇhāgotamas. Virūpakkhaṁ ahirājakulaṁ, erāpathaṁ ahirājakulaṁ, chabyāputtaṁ ahirājakulaṁ, kaṇhāgotamaṁ ahirājakulaṁ. Na hi nūna so, bhikkhave, bhikkhu imāni cattāri ahirājakulāni mettena cittena phari. Sace hi so, bhikkhave, bhikkhu imāni cattāri ahirājakulāni mettena cittena phareyya, na hi so, bhikkhave, bhikkhu ahinā daṭṭho kālaṁ kareyya. To protect yourselves, monks, you should spread good will to these four royal snake clans. Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, imāni cattāri ahirājakulāni mettena cittena pharituṁ, attaguttiyā attarakkhāya attaparittaṁ kātuṁ. And it should be done like this: Evañca pana, bhikkhave, kātabbaṁ—

On one occasion a monk who was plagued by lust cut off his own penis. Tena kho pana samayena aññataro bhikkhu anabhiratiyā pīḷito attano aṅgajātaṁ chindi. They told the Buddha. He said, Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ. “This fool has cut off one thing, when he should’ve cut off something else. “Aññamhi so, bhikkhave, moghapuriso chetabbamhi, aññaṁ chindi.

You shouldn’t cut off your own penis. Na, bhikkhave, attano aṅgajātaṁ chetabbaṁ. If you do, you commit a serious offense.” Yo chindeyya, āpatti thullaccayassā”ti.

Bowls

On one occasion a wealthy merchant of Rājagaha had obtained a valuable block of sandalwood. Tena kho pana samayena rājagahakassa seṭṭhissa mahagghassa candanassa candanagaṇṭhi uppannā hoti. He thought, Atha kho rājagahakassa seṭṭhissa etadahosi—“Why don’t I have a bowl carved from this block of sandal? “yannūnāhaṁ imāya candanagaṇṭhiyā pattaṁ lekhāpeyyaṁ. I’d use the chips myself, but give the bowl away as a gift.” Lekhañca me paribhogaṁ bhavissati, pattañca dānaṁ dassāmī”ti. He then had a bowl carved, put it in a carrying net, hung it at the end of a succession of vertical bamboo poles, and announced, Atha kho rājagahako seṭṭhi tāya candanagaṇṭhiyā pattaṁ lekhāpetvā sikkāya uḍḍitvā veḷagge ālaggetvā veḷuparamparāya bandhitvā evamāha—“I’ll give this bowl to any perfected monastic or brahmin who brings it down by supernormal power.” “yo samaṇo vā brāhmaṇo vā arahā ceva iddhimā ca dinnaṁyeva pattaṁ oharatū”ti.

Pūraṇa Kassapa went to that merchant and said, Atha kho pūraṇo kassapo yena rājagahako seṭṭhi tenupasaṅkami, upasaṅkamitvā rājagahakaṁ seṭṭhiṁ etadavoca—“I’m perfected and have supernormal powers. Give me the bowl.” “ahañhi, gahapati, arahā ceva iddhimā ca, dehi me pattan”ti.

“If you’re perfected and have supernormal powers, then bring it down and it’s yours.” “Sace, bhante, āyasmā arahā ceva iddhimā ca dinnaṁyeva pattaṁ oharatū”ti.

The same thing happened with Makkhali Gosāla, Atha kho makkhali gosālo … Ajita Kesakambala, ajito kesakambalo … Pakudha Kaccāyana, pakudho kaccāyano … Sañcaya Belaṭṭhaputta, sañcayo belaṭṭhaputto … and the Jain ascetic from Ñātika. nigaṇṭho nāṭaputto yena rājagahako seṭṭhi tenupasaṅkami, upasaṅkamitvā rājagahakaṁ seṭṭhiṁ etadavoca—“ahañhi, gahapati, arahā ceva iddhimā ca, dehi me pattan”ti. “Sace, bhante, āyasmā arahā ceva iddhimā ca, dinnaṁyeva pattaṁ oharatū”ti.

Soon afterwards, after robing up in the morning, Venerable Mahāmoggallāna and Venerable Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja took their bowls and robes and entered Rājagaha for alms. Tena kho pana samayena āyasmā ca mahāmoggallāno āyasmā ca piṇḍolabhāradvājo pubbaṇhasamayaṁ nivāsetvā pattacīvaramādāya rājagahaṁ piṇḍāya pavisiṁsu. Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja said to Mahāmoggallāna, Atha kho āyasmā piṇḍolabhāradvājo āyasmantaṁ mahāmoggallānaṁ etadavoca—“Venerable, you’re perfected and have supernormal powers. “āyasmā kho mahāmoggallāno arahā ceva iddhimā ca. If you go and bring down that bowl, Gacchāvuso, moggallāna, etaṁ pattaṁ ohara. it’s yours.” Tuyheso patto”ti.

“Venerable, you too are perfected and have supernormal powers. “Āyasmā kho bhāradvājo arahā ceva iddhimā ca. If you bring it down, Gacchāvuso, bhāradvāja, etaṁ pattaṁ ohara. it’s yours.” Tuyheso patto”ti.

Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja then rose into the air, took hold of that bowl, and circled around Rājagaha three times. Atha kho āyasmā piṇḍolabhāradvājo vehāsaṁ abbhuggantvā taṁ pattaṁ gahetvā tikkhattuṁ rājagahaṁ anupariyāyi.

Just then that merchant, together with his wives and children, was standing in his own house, raising his joined palms in homage, thinking, Tena kho pana samayena rājagahako seṭṭhi saputtadāro sake nivesane ṭhito hoti pañjaliko namassamāno—“May Venerable Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja land right here at our house.” idheva, bhante, ayyo bhāradvājo amhākaṁ nivesane patiṭṭhātūti. And Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja did just that. Atha kho āyasmā piṇḍolabhāradvājo rājagahakassa seṭṭhissa nivesane patiṭṭhāsi. The merchant then took the bowl from his hands, filled it with expensive fresh foods, and gave it back to Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja, Atha kho rājagahako seṭṭhi āyasmato piṇḍolabhāradvājassa hatthato pattaṁ gahetvā mahagghassa khādanīyassa pūretvā āyasmato piṇḍolabhāradvājassa adāsi. who then left for the monastery. Atha kho āyasmā piṇḍolabhāradvājo taṁ pattaṁ gahetvā ārāmaṁ agamāsi.

People heard Assosuṁ kho manussā—that Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja had taken down the merchant’s bowl, ayyena kira piṇḍolabhāradvājena rājagahakassa seṭṭhissa patto ohāritoti. and making a great uproar, they followed right behind him. Te ca manussā uccāsaddā mahāsaddā āyasmantaṁ piṇḍolabhāradvājaṁ piṭṭhito piṭṭhito anubandhiṁsu. Hearing all the noise, Assosi kho bhagavā uccāsaddaṁ mahāsaddaṁ; the Buddha asked Venerable Ānanda what it was, sutvāna āyasmantaṁ ānandaṁ āmantesi—“kiṁ nu kho so, ānanda, uccāsaddo mahāsaddo”ti? and Ānanda told him what had happened. “Āyasmatā, bhante, piṇḍolabhāradvājena rājagahakassa seṭṭhissa patto ohārito. Assosuṁ kho, bhante, manussā—ayyena kira piṇḍolabhāradvājena rājagahakassa seṭṭhissa patto ohāritoti. Te ca, bhante, manussā uccāsaddā mahāsaddā āyasmantaṁ piṇḍolabhāradvājaṁ piṭṭhito piṭṭhito anubandhā. So eso, bhante, bhagavā uccāsaddo mahāsaddo”ti.

Soon afterwards the Buddha had the Sangha of monks gathered and questioned Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja: Atha kho bhagavā etasmiṁ nidāne etasmiṁ pakaraṇe bhikkhusaṅghaṁ sannipātāpetvā āyasmantaṁ piṇḍolabhāradvājaṁ paṭipucchi—“Is it true, Bhāradvāja, that you brought down that merchant’s bowl?” “saccaṁ kira tayā, bhāradvāja, rājagahakassa seṭṭhissa patto ohārito”ti?

“It’s true, sir.” “Saccaṁ, bhagavā”ti.

The Buddha rebuked him, Vigarahi buddho bhagavā—“It’s not suitable, Bhāradvāja, it’s not proper, it’s not worthy of a monastic, it’s not allowable, it’s not to be done. “ananucchavikaṁ, bhāradvāja, ananulomikaṁ appatirūpaṁ assāmaṇakaṁ akappiyaṁ akaraṇīyaṁ. How could you show a superhuman ability, a wonder of supernormal power, to householders for the sake of a miserable wooden bowl? Kathañhi nāma tvaṁ, bhāradvāja, chavassa dārupattassa kāraṇā gihīnaṁ uttari manussadhammaṁ iddhipāṭihāriyaṁ dassessasi. It’s just like a woman showing her private parts for a miserable <i lang='pi' translate='no'>māsaka</i> coin. Seyyathāpi, bhāradvāja, mātugāmo chavassa māsakarūpassa kāraṇā kopinaṁ dasseti; evameva kho tayā, bhāradvāja, chavassa dārupattassa kāraṇā gihīnaṁ uttari manussadhammaṁ iddhipāṭihāriyaṁ dassitaṁ. This will affect people’s confidence …” Netaṁ, bhāradvāja, appasannānaṁ vā pasādāya …pe… After rebuking him … vigarahitvā …pe… the Buddha gave a teaching and addressed the monks: dhammiṁ kathaṁ katvā bhikkhū āmantesi—

“You shouldn’t show a superhuman ability, a wonder of supernormal power, to householders. “na, bhikkhave, gihīnaṁ uttarimanussadhammaṁ iddhipāṭihāriyaṁ dassetabbaṁ. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct. Yo dasseyya, āpatti dukkaṭassa.

Now destroy that wooden bowl and turn it into splinters. Give these to the monks to use as scent in ointments. Bhindathetaṁ, bhikkhave, dārupattaṁ sakalikaṁ sakalikaṁ katvā, bhikkhūnaṁ añjanupapisanaṁ detha.

And you shouldn’t use a wooden bowl. Na ca, bhikkhave, dārupatto dhāretabbo. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo dhāreyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

At that time the monks from the group of six used luxurious bowls made with gold and silver. Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū uccāvace patte dhārenti sovaṇṇamayaṁ rūpiyamayaṁ. People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“They’re just like householders who indulge in worldly pleasures!” “seyyathāpi gihī kāmabhogino”ti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t use almsbowls made with gold, “Na, bhikkhave, sovaṇṇamayo patto dhāretabbo …pe… silver, na rūpiyamayo patto dhāretabbo … gems, na maṇimayo patto dhāretabbo … beryl, na veḷuriyamayo patto dhāretabbo … crystal, na phalikamayo patto dhāretabbo … bronze, na kaṁsamayo patto dhāretabbo … glass, na kācamayo patto dhāretabbo … tin, na tipumayo patto dhāretabbo … lead, na sīsamayo patto dhāretabbo … or copper. na tambalohamayo patto dhāretabbo. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct. Yo dhāreyya, āpatti dukkaṭassa. I allow two kinds of almsbowls: Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, dve patte—iron bowls and ceramic bowls.” ayopattaṁ, mattikāpattan”ti.

At that time the bottoms of the bowls became scratched. Tena kho pana samayena pattamūlaṁ ghaṁsiyati. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow a circular bowl rest.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, pattamaṇḍalan”ti.

Soon afterwards the monks from the group of six used luxurious bowl rests made with gold and silver. Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū uccāvacāni pattamaṇḍalāni dhārenti sovaṇṇamayaṁ rūpiyamayaṁ. People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“They’re just like householders who indulge in worldly pleasures!” “seyyathāpi gihī kāmabhogino”ti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t use luxurious bowl rests. “Na, bhikkhave, uccāvacāni pattamaṇḍalāni dhāretabbāni. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct. Yo dhāreyya, āpatti dukkaṭassa. I allow two kinds of bowl rests: Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, dve pattamaṇḍalāni—bowl-rests made of tin and a bowl-rests made of lead.” tipumayaṁ, sīsamayan”ti.

There were thick bowl rests on which the bowls did not sit properly. Bahalāni maṇḍalāni na acchupiyanti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow you to carve them out.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, likhitun”ti.

There were marks left from the carving. Valī honti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow you to cut a shark-teeth pattern.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, makaradantakaṁ chinditun”ti.

Soon the monks from the group of six used colorful bowl rests, decorated like walls. Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū citrāni pattamaṇḍalāni dhārenti rūpakākiṇṇāni bhittikammakatāni. As they were walking about, they showed them off in the streets. Tāni rathikāyapi dassentā āhiṇḍanti. People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“They’re just like householders who indulge in worldly pleasures!” “seyyathāpi gihī kāmabhogino”ti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t use colorful bowl rests, decorated like a wall. “Na, bhikkhave, citrāni pattamaṇḍalāni dhāretabbāni rūpakākiṇṇāni bhittikammakatāni. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct. Yo dhāreyya, āpatti dukkaṭassa. I allow ordinary bowl rests.” Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, pakatimaṇḍalan”ti.

At this time there were monks who put away their bowls while still wet. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū sodakaṁ pattaṁ paṭisāmenti. The bowls were stained. Patto dussati. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t put away your bowl while still wet. “Na, bhikkhave, sodako patto paṭisāmetabbo. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct. Yo paṭisāmeyya, āpatti dukkaṭassa. You should sun your bowl and then put it away.” Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, otāpetvā pattaṁ paṭisāmetun”ti.

Soon afterwards there were monks who sunned their bowls while still wet. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū sodakaṁ pattaṁ otāpenti. The bowls became smelly. Patto duggandho hoti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t sun your bowl while still wet. “Na, bhikkhave, sodako patto otāpetabbo. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct. Yo otāpeyya, āpatti dukkaṭassa. You should dry the bowl and then sun it before you put it away.” Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, vodakaṁ katvā otāpetvā pattaṁ paṭisāmetun”ti.

Monks left their bowls in the heat of the sun. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū uṇhe pattaṁ nidahanti. The bowls became discolored. Pattassa vaṇṇo dussati. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t leave your bowl in the heat of the sun. “Na, bhikkhave, uṇhe patto nidahitabbo. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct. Yo nidaheyya, āpatti dukkaṭassa. You should sun it in the heat for a short time and then put it away.” Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, muhuttaṁ uṇhe otāpetvā pattaṁ paṭisāmetun”ti.

On one occasion a number of almsbowls had been put down outside without support. Tena kho pana samayena sambahulā pattā ajjhokāse anādhārā nikkhittā honti. A whirlwind rolled the bowls around and as a result they broke. Vātamaṇḍalikāya āvaṭṭetvā pattā bhijjiṁsu. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow a bowl rack.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, pattādhārakan”ti.

On one occasion there were monks who had put their bowls on the edge of a bench. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū miḍḍhante pattaṁ nikkhipanti. They fell down and broke. Paripatitvā patto bhijjati. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t put your almsbowl on the edge of a bench. “Na, bhikkhave, miḍḍhante patto nikkhipitabbo. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo nikkhipeyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

On one occasion there were monks who had put their bowls on the edge of a ledge. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū paribhaṇḍante pattaṁ nikkhipanti. They fell down and broke. Paripatitvā patto bhijjati. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t put your almsbowl on the edge of a ledge. “Na, bhikkhave, paribhaṇḍante patto nikkhipitabbo. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo nikkhipeyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

At that time the monks put their bowls upside down on the ground. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū chamāya pattaṁ nikkujjanti. The edges of the bowls were scratched. Oṭṭho ghaṁsiyati. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow a spread of grass.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, tiṇasanthārakan”ti.

The grass was eaten by termites. Tiṇasanthārako upacikāhi khajjati. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow a cloth.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, coḷakan”ti.

The cloth was eaten by termites. Coḷakaṁ upacikāhi khajjati. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow a platform for bowls.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, pattamāḷakan”ti.

The bowls fell off the platform and broke. Pattamāḷako paripatitvā patto bhijjati. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow a storage container for almsbowls.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, pattakuṇḍolikan”ti.

The bowls were scratched in the storage containers. Pattakuṇḍolikāya patto ghaṁsiyati. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow a bowl bag.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, pattatthavikan”ti.

There were no shoulder straps. Aṁsabaddhako na hoti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow a shoulder strap and a string for fastening.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, aṁsabaddhakaṁ bandhanasuttakan”ti.

At that time there were monks who hung their bowls from wall pegs. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū bhittikhilepi nāgadantakepi pattaṁ laggenti. The bowls fell down and broke. Paripatitvā patto bhijjati. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t hang up your almsbowl. “Na, bhikkhave, patto laggetabbo. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo laggeyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

At that time there were monks who placed their bowls on beds. Sitting down absentmindedly, they crushed the bowls, breaking them. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū mañce pattaṁ nikkhipanti, satisammosā nisīdantā ottharitvā pattaṁ bhindenti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t place your bowl on a bed. “Na, bhikkhave, mañce patto nikkhipitabbo. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo nikkhipeyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

At that time monks placed their bowls on benches. Sitting down absentmindedly, they crushed the bowls, breaking them. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū pīṭhe pattaṁ nikkhipanti, satisammosā nisīdantā ottharitvā pattaṁ bhindenti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t place your bowl on a bench. “Na, bhikkhave, pīṭhe patto nikkhipitabbo. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo nikkhipeyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

At that time there were monks who put their bowls in their laps. When they got up absentmindedly, Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū aṅke pattaṁ nikkhipanti, satisammosā uṭṭhahanti. the bowls fell down and broke. Paripatitvā patto bhijjati. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t put your bowl in your lap. “Na, bhikkhave, aṅke patto nikkhipitabbo. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo nikkhipeyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

At one time there were monks who put their bowls on a sunshade. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū chatte pattaṁ nikkhipanti. A whirlwind lifted the sunshade, and the bowls fell down and broke. Vātamaṇḍalikāya chattaṁ ukkhipiyati paripatitvā patto bhijjati. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t put your bowl on a sunshade. “Na, bhikkhave, chatte patto nikkhipitabbo. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo nikkhipeyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

At that time there were monks who opened doors with a bowl in their hand. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū pattahatthā kavāṭaṁ paṇāmenti. The doors swung back and the bowls broke. Kavāṭo āvaṭṭitvā patto bhijjati. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t open a door with an almsbowl in your hand. “Na, bhikkhave, pattahatthena kavāṭaṁ paṇāmetabbaṁ. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo paṇāmeyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

At that time there were monks who walked for alms with gourds as bowls. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū tumbakaṭāhe piṇḍāya caranti. People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“They’re just like the monastics of other religions.” “seyyathāpi titthiyā”ti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t walk for alms with a gourd as a bowl. “Na, bhikkhave, tumbakaṭāhe piṇḍāya caritabbaṁ. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo careyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

At that time there were monks who walked for alms with waterpots as bowls. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū ghaṭikaṭāhe piṇḍāya caranti. People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“They’re just like the monastics of other religions.” “seyyathāpi titthiyā”ti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t walk for alms with a waterpot as a bowl. “Na, bhikkhave, ghaṭikaṭāhe piṇḍāya caritabbaṁ. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo careyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

At that time a certain monk who only used discarded things Tena kho pana samayena aññataro bhikkhu sabbapaṁsukūliko hoti. used a skull as a bowl. So chavasīsassa pattaṁ dhāreti. A woman who saw this was terrified, screaming, Aññatarā itthī passitvā bhītā vissaramakāsi—“Oh my God, a demon!” “abhuṁ me pisāco vatāyan”ti. People complained and criticized him, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“How can the Sakyan monastics use skulls as bowls? They’re just like goblins.” “kathañhi nāma samaṇā sakyaputtiyā chavasīsassa pattaṁ dhāressanti, seyyathāpi pisācillikā”ti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t use a skull as a bowl. “Na, bhikkhave, chavasīsassa patto dhāretabbo. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct. Yo dhāreyya, āpatti dukkaṭassa. And you shouldn’t use only discarded things. Na ca, bhikkhave, sabbapaṁsukūlikena bhavitabbaṁ. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo bhaveyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

At that time there were monks who carried away chewed food remnants, bones, and dirty mouth-rinsing water in their bowls. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū calakānipi aṭṭhikānipi ucchiṭṭhodakampi pattena nīharanti. People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“These Sakyan monastics use the vessel they’re eating from as a trash can.” “yasmiṁ yevime samaṇā sakyaputtiyā bhuñjanti sova nesaṁ paṭiggaho”ti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t carry away chewed food remnants, bones, and dirty mouth-rinsing water in your almsbowl. “Na bhikkhave, calakāni vā aṭṭhikāni vā ucchiṭṭhodakaṁ vā pattena nīharitabbaṁ. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct. Yo nīhareyya, āpatti dukkaṭassa. I allow trash cans.” Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, paṭiggahan”ti.

Robe making

At that time the monks tore cloth to pieces by hand and then sewed robes. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū hatthena vipphāḷetvā cīvaraṁ sibbenti. The robes were ugly. Cīvaraṁ vilomikaṁ hoti. They told the Buddha. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow a knife and a felt sheath.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, satthakaṁ namatakan”ti.

Soon afterwards the Sangha was offered a knife with a handle. Tena kho pana samayena saṅghassa daṇḍasatthakaṁ uppannaṁ hoti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow a knife with a handle.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, daṇḍasatthakan”ti.

At this time the monks from the group of six used luxurious knife handles made with gold and silver. Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū uccāvace satthakadaṇḍe dhārenti sovaṇṇamayaṁ rūpiyamayaṁ. People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“They’re just like householders who indulge in worldly pleasures!” “seyyathāpi gihī kāmabhogino”ti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t use luxurious knife handles. “Na, bhikkhave, uccāvacā satthakadaṇḍā dhāretabbā. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct. Yo dhāreyya, āpatti dukkaṭassa. I allow knife handles made of bone, ivory, horn, reed, bamboo, wood, resin, fruit, metal, and shell.” Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, aṭṭhimayaṁ dantamayaṁ visāṇamayaṁ naḷamayaṁ veḷumayaṁ kaṭṭhamayaṁ jatumayaṁ phalamayaṁ lohamayaṁ saṅkhanābhimayan”ti.

At that time the monks used chicken feathers and pieces of bamboo to sew robes. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū kukkuṭapattenapi veḷupesikāyapi cīvaraṁ sibbenti. The robes were badly sewn. Cīvaraṁ dussibbitaṁ hoti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow needles.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, sūcin”ti.

The needles rusted. Sūciyo kaṇṇakitāyo honti …pe…

“I allow a cylinder for the needles.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, sūcināḷikan”ti.

The needles still rusted. Sūcināḷikāyapi kaṇṇakitāyo honti …pe…

“I allow you to fill them with yeast.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, kiṇṇena pūretun”ti.

The needles still rusted. Kiṇṇepi kaṇṇakitāyo honti …pe…

“I allow you to fill them with flour.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, sattuyā pūretun”ti.

The needles still rusted. Sattuyāpi kaṇṇakitāyo honti …pe…

“I allow stone powder.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, saritakan”ti.

The needles still rusted. Saritakepi kaṇṇakitāyo honti …pe…

“I allow you to mix it with beeswax.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, madhusitthakena sāretun”ti.

The stone powder broke apart. Saritakaṁ paribhijjati …pe…

“I allow a case.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, saritakasipāṭikan”ti.

At that time the monks erected posts here and there, bound them together, and sewed robes. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū tattha tattha khilaṁ nikkhaṇitvā sambandhitvā cīvaraṁ sibbenti. The corners of the robes were deformed. Cīvaraṁ vikaṇṇaṁ hoti. They told the Buddha. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow a frame and a string. You should tie down the cloth to the frame as required, before sewing the robe.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, kathinaṁ kathinarajjuṁ tattha tattha obandhitvā cīvaraṁ sibbetun”ti.

They laid the frame on uneven ground. Visame kathinaṁ pattharanti. The frame broke. Kathinaṁ paribhijjati …pe…

“You shouldn’t lay the frame on uneven ground. “na, bhikkhave, visame kathinaṁ pattharitabbaṁ. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo patthareyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

They laid the frame on the ground. Chamāya kathinaṁ pattharanti. The frame became dirty. Kathinaṁ paṁsukitaṁ hoti …pe…

“I allow a spread of grass.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, tiṇasanthārakan”ti.

The edges of the frame deteriorated. Kathinassa anto jīrati …pe…

“I allow you to add an edge lengthwise and crosswise.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, anuvātaṁ paribhaṇḍaṁ āropetun”ti.

The frame was not the right size. Kathinaṁ nappahoti …pe…

“I allow an inner frame, folding a straw mat to fit the frame, spacers, strings for tying together, and strings for tying down. After tying it together, you should sew the robe.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, daṇḍakathinaṁ bidalakaṁ salākaṁ vinandhanarajjuṁ vinandhanasuttaṁ vinandhitvā cīvaraṁ sibbetun”ti.

The seams were unevenly spaced. Suttantarikāyo visamā honti …pe…

“I allow a ruler.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, kaḷimbhakan”ti.

The seams were not straight. Suttā vaṅkā honti …pe…

“I allow you to make a guide line.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, moghasuttakan”ti.

There were monks who stepped on the frame with dirty feet. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū adhotehi pādehi kathinaṁ akkamanti. The frame became dirty. Kathinaṁ dussati. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t step on the frame with dirty feet. “Na, bhikkhave, adhotehi pādehi kathinaṁ akkamitabbaṁ. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo akkameyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

There were monks who stepped on the frame with wet feet. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū allehi pādehi kathinaṁ akkamanti. The frame became dirty. Kathinaṁ dussati. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t step on the frame with wet feet. “Na, bhikkhave, allehi pādehi kathinaṁ akkamitabbaṁ. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo akkameyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

There were monks who stepped on the frame while wearing sandals. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū saupāhanā kathinaṁ akkamanti. The frame became dirty. Kathinaṁ dussati. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t step on the frame while wearing sandals. “Na, bhikkhave, saupāhanena kathinaṁ akkamitabbaṁ. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo akkameyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

When sewing robes, the monks used their bare fingers. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū cīvaraṁ sibbantā aṅguliyā paṭiggaṇhanti. They pricked their fingers. Aṅguliyo dukkhā honti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow thimbles.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, paṭiggahan”ti.

Soon the monks from the group of six used luxurious thimbles made with gold and silver. Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū uccāvace paṭiggahe dhārenti sovaṇṇamayaṁ rūpiyamayaṁ. People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“They’re just like householders who indulge in worldly pleasures!” “seyyathāpi gihī kāmabhogino”ti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t use luxurious thimbles. “Na, bhikkhave, uccāvacā paṭiggahā dhāretabbā. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct. Yo dhāreyya, āpatti dukkaṭassa. I allow a thimble made of bone, ivory, horn, reed, bamboo, wood, resin, fruit, metal, Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, aṭṭhimayaṁ …pe… and shell.” saṅkhanābhimayan”ti.

Needles, knives, and thimbles got lost. Tena kho pana samayena sūciyopi satthakāpi paṭiggahāpi nassanti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow a small bowl.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, āvesanavitthakan”ti.

The small bowls became crowded. Āvesanavitthake samākulā honti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow a bag for thimbles.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, paṭiggahathavikan”ti.

There was no shoulder strap. Aṁsabaddhako na hoti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow a shoulder strap and a string for fastening.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, aṁsabaddhakaṁ bandhanasuttakan”ti.

When sewing robes outside, the monks were troubled by the cold and heat. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū abbhokāse cīvaraṁ sibbantā sītenapi uṇhenapi kilamanti. They told the Buddha. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow sewing sheds and roof covers.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, kathinasālaṁ kathinamaṇḍapan”ti.

They built the sewing shed on a low base. It was flooded. Kathinasālā nīcavatthukā hoti, udakena otthariyyati. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow you to raise the base.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, uccavatthukaṁ kātun”ti.

The mound collapsed. Cayo paripatati …pe…

“I allow you to construct three kinds of raised foundations: “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, cinituṁ tayo caye—raised foundations of brick, stone, and wood.” iṭṭhakācayaṁ, silācayaṁ, dārucayan”ti.

It was difficult to get up to the sewing sheds. Ārohantā vihaññanti …pe…

“I allow three kinds of stairs: “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, tayo sopāne—stairs of brick, stone, and wood.” iṭṭhakāsopānaṁ, silāsopānaṁ, dārusopānan”ti.

People fell down while climbing the stairs. Ārohantā paripatanti …pe…

“I allow rails.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, ālambanabāhan”ti.

Grass and dust fell into the sewing sheds. Kathinasālāya tiṇacuṇṇaṁ paripatati …pe…

“I allow you to firm up the structure and then plaster it inside and outside, including: “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, ogumphetvā ullittāvalittaṁ kātuṁ—treating it with white color, black color, and red ocher; making garland patterns, creeper patterns, shark-teeth patterns, and the fivefold pattern; putting up bamboo robe racks and clotheslines.” setavaṇṇaṁ kāḷavaṇṇaṁ gerukaparikammaṁ mālākammaṁ latākammaṁ makaradantakaṁ pañcapaṭikaṁ cīvaravaṁsaṁ cīvararajjukan”ti.

At that time, when they had finished sewing a robe, there were monks who abandoned the frame right there and left. Rats and termites ate it. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū cīvaraṁ sibbetvā tattheva kathinaṁ ujjhitvā pakkamanti, undūrehipi upacikāhipi khajjati. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You should fold up the frame.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, kathinaṁ saṅgharitun”ti.

The frame broke. Kathinaṁ paribhijjati …pe…

“You should fold it up with a rod for support.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, goghaṁsikāya kathinaṁ saṅgharitun”ti.

The frame unfolded. Kathinaṁ viniveṭhiyati …pe…

“You should tie it up with a rope.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, bandhanarajjun”ti.

At that time there were monks who leaned the frame against a wall or a pillar and left. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū kuṭṭepi thambhepi kathinaṁ ussāpetvā pakkamanti. It fell down and broke. Paripatitvā kathinaṁ bhijjati. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You should hang it from a wall peg.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, bhittikhile vā nāgadante vā laggetun”ti.

Various allowable requisites

When the Buddha had stayed at Rājagaha for as long as he liked, he set out wandering toward Vesālī. Atha kho bhagavā rājagahe yathābhirantaṁ viharitvā yena vesālī tena cārikaṁ pakkāmi. And so did the monks, having put their needles, knives, and medicines in their almsbowls. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū sūcikampi satthakampi bhesajjampi pattena ādāya gacchanti. They told the Buddha. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow a medicine bag.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, bhesajjatthavikan”ti.

There was no shoulder strap. Aṁsabaddhako na hoti …pe…

“I allow a shoulder strap and a string for fastening it.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, aṁsabaddhakaṁ bandhanasuttakan”ti.

On one occasion a certain monk bound his sandals to his belt and entered the village for alms. Tena kho pana samayena aññataro bhikkhu upāhanāyo kāyabandhanena bandhitvā gāmaṁ piṇḍāya pāvisi. A lay follower who bowed to him hit his head against those sandals. Aññataro upāsako taṁ bhikkhuṁ abhivādento upāhanāyo sīsena ghaṭṭeti. The monk was embarrassed. So bhikkhu maṅku ahosi. When he had returned to the monastery, he told the monks what had happened, Atha kho so bhikkhu ārāmaṁ gantvā bhikkhūnaṁ etamatthaṁ ārocesi. who in turn told the Buddha. Bhikkhū bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow a bag for sandals.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, upāhanatthavikan”ti.

There was no shoulder strap. Aṁsabaddhako na hoti …pe…

“I allow a shoulder strap and a string for fastening it.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, aṁsabaddhakaṁ bandhanasuttakan”ti.

While they were traveling, there was only unallowable water, Tena kho pana samayena antarāmagge udakaṁ akappiyaṁ hoti. but no water filter. Parissāvanaṁ na hoti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow a water filter.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, parissāvanan”ti.

There was no suitable cloth. Coḷakaṁ nappahoti …pe…

“I allow a filter with a handle.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, kaṭacchuparissāvanan”ti.

There was still no suitable cloth. Coḷakaṁ nappahoti …pe…

“I allow a water strainer.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, dhammakaraṇan”ti.

On one occasion, there were two monks traveling through the Kosalan country. Tena kho pana samayena dve bhikkhū kosalesu janapade addhānamaggappaṭipannā honti. One monk misbehaved, Eko bhikkhu anācāraṁ ācarati. and the second monk said to him, Dutiyo bhikkhu taṁ bhikkhuṁ etadavoca—“Don’t do that. “mā, āvuso, evarūpaṁ akāsi. It’s not allowable.” Netaṁ kappatī”ti. Because of that, the first monk became resentful. So tasmiṁ upanandhi.

Soon afterwards the second monk was very thirsty. He asked the resentful monk Atha kho so bhikkhu pipāsāya pīḷito upanaddhaṁ bhikkhuṁ etadavoca—to borrow his water filter. “dehi me, āvuso, parissāvanaṁ, pānīyaṁ pivissāmī”ti. He refused Upanaddho bhikkhu na adāsi. and the second monk died from thirst. So bhikkhu pipāsāya pīḷito kālamakāsi. When the resentful monk arrived at the monastery, he told the monks what had happened. Atha kho so bhikkhu ārāmaṁ gantvā bhikkhūnaṁ etamatthaṁ ārocesi.

“So you refused to lend your water filter when asked?” “Kiṁ pana tvaṁ, āvuso, parissāvanaṁ yāciyamāno na adāsī”ti?

“Yes.” “Evamāvuso”ti.

The monks of few desires complained and criticized him, Ye te bhikkhū appicchā …pe… te ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“How could a monk do such a thing?” “kathañhi nāma bhikkhu parissāvanaṁ yāciyamāno na dassatī”ti. They told the Buddha. Atha kho te bhikkhū bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ. Soon afterwards the Buddha had the monks gathered and questioned that monk: Atha kho bhagavā etasmiṁ nidāne etasmiṁ pakaraṇe bhikkhusaṅghaṁ sannipātāpetvā taṁ bhikkhuṁ paṭipucchi—

“Is it true, monk, that you did this?” “saccaṁ kira tvaṁ, bhikkhu, parissāvanaṁ yāciyamāno na adāsī”ti?

“It’s true, sir.” “Saccaṁ, bhagavā”ti.

The Buddha rebuked him, Vigarahi buddho bhagavā—“It’s not suitable, foolish man, it’s not proper, it’s not worthy of a monastic, it’s not allowable, it’s not to be done. “ananucchavikaṁ, moghapurisa, ananulomikaṁ appatirūpaṁ assāmaṇakaṁ akappiyaṁ akaraṇīyaṁ. How could you refuse to lend your water filter when asked? Kathañhi nāma tvaṁ, moghapurisa, parissāvanaṁ yāciyamāno na dassasi. This will affect people’s confidence …” Netaṁ, moghapurisa, appasannānaṁ vā pasādāya …pe… After rebuking him … vigarahitvā …pe… the Buddha gave a teaching and addressed the monks: dhammiṁ kathaṁ katvā bhikkhū āmantesi—

“If you’re traveling with a monk and he asks to borrow your water filter, you should lend it. “na, bhikkhave, addhānamaggappaṭipannena bhikkhunā parissāvanaṁ yāciyamānena na dātabbaṁ. If you don’t, you commit an offense of wrong conduct. Yo na dadeyya, āpatti dukkaṭassa. On the other hand, you shouldn’t travel without a water filter. Na ca, bhikkhave, aparissāvanakena addhāno paṭipajjitabbo. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct. Yo paṭipajjeyya, āpatti dukkaṭassa. If there’s no water filter or strainer, you should determine a corner of your robe: Sace na hoti parissāvanaṁ vā dhammakaraṇo vā, saṅghāṭikaṇṇopi adhiṭṭhātabbo—‘I’ll drink after filtering with this.’” iminā parissāvetvā pivissāmī”ti.

The Buddha eventually arrived at Vesālī Atha kho bhagavā anupubbena cārikaṁ caramāno yena vesālī tadavasari. where he stayed in the hall with the peaked roof in the Great Wood. Tatra sudaṁ bhagavā vesāliyaṁ viharati mahāvane kūṭāgārasālāyaṁ. At this time the monks were doing building work, Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū navakammaṁ karonti. but there were not enough water filters. Parissāvanaṁ na sammati. They told the Buddha. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow a water filter of cloth fitted to a wooden framework.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, daṇḍaparissāvanan”ti.

There were still not enough filters. Daṇḍaparissāvanaṁ na sammati. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow you to filter by spreading cloth on water.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, ottharakan”ti.

At this time the monks were troubled by mosquitoes. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū makasehi ubbāḷhā honti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow a mosquito tent.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, makasakuṭikan”ti.

Buildings

Walking paths

At this time in Vesālī people had arranged a succession of fine meals. Tena kho pana samayena vesāliyaṁ paṇītānaṁ bhattānaṁ bhattapaṭipāṭi aṭṭhitā hoti. After eating the fine food, the monks were often sick, their bodies being full of impurities. Bhikkhū paṇītāni bhojanāni bhuñjitvā abhisannakāyā honti bahvābādhā.

Just then Jīvaka Komārabhacca was in Vesālī on some business, Atha kho jīvako komārabhacco vesāliṁ agamāsi kenacideva karaṇīyena. and he saw those monks. Addasā kho jīvako komārabhacco bhikkhū abhisannakāye bahvābādhe. He went to the Buddha, bowed, sat down, Disvāna yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami, upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ nisīdi. and said, Ekamantaṁ nisinno kho jīvako komārabhacco bhagavantaṁ etadavoca—“At present, sir, there are monks who are often sick, their bodies being full of impurities. “etarahi, bhante, bhikkhū abhisannakāyā bahvābādhā. Please allow walking-meditation paths and saunas. Sādhu, bhante, bhagavā bhikkhūnaṁ caṅkamañca jantāgharañca anujānātu. In this way the monks will rarely get sick.” Evaṁ bhikkhū appābādhā bhavissantī”ti. The Buddha then instructed, inspired, and gladdened him with a teaching, Atha kho bhagavā jīvakaṁ komārabhaccaṁ dhammiyā kathāya sandassesi samādapesi samuttejesi sampahaṁsesi. after which Jīvaka got up from his seat, bowed, circumambulated the Buddha with his right side toward him, and left. Atha kho jīvako komārabhacco bhagavatā dhammiyā kathāya sandassito samādapito samuttejito sampahaṁsito uṭṭhāyāsanā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā padakkhiṇaṁ katvā pakkāmi. Soon afterwards the Buddha gave a teaching and addressed the monks: Atha kho bhagavā etasmiṁ nidāne etasmiṁ pakaraṇe dhammiṁ kathaṁ katvā bhikkhū āmantesi—

“I allow walking-meditation paths and saunas.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, caṅkamañca jantāgharañcā”ti.

Monks did walking meditation on uneven walking paths. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū visame caṅkame caṅkamanti. As a result their feet hurt. Pādā dukkhā honti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow you to even them out.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, samaṁ kātun”ti.

They built walking-meditation paths on a low base. Caṅkamo nīcavatthuko hoti. They were flooded. Udakena otthariyyati …pe…

“I allow you to raise the base.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, uccavatthukaṁ kātun”ti.

The mound collapsed. Cayo paripatati …pe…

“I allow you to construct three kinds of raised foundations: “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, cinituṁ tayo caye—raised foundations of brick, stone, and wood.” iṭṭhakācayaṁ, silācayaṁ, dārucayan”ti.

It was difficult to get up on the walking-meditation paths. Ārohantā vihaññanti …pe…

“I allow three kinds of stairs: “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, tayo sopāne—stairs of brick, stone, and wood.” iṭṭhakāsopānaṁ, silāsopānaṁ, dārusopānan”ti.

People fell down while climbing the stairs. Ārohantā paripatanti …pe…

“I allow rails.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, ālambanabāhan”ti.

Monks fell off while doing walking meditation. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū caṅkame caṅkamantā paripatanti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow railings.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, caṅkamanavedikan”ti.

Doing walking meditation outside, monks were troubled by the cold and the heat. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū ajjhokāse caṅkamantā sītenapi uṇhenapi kilamanti. They told the Buddha. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow indoor walking-meditation paths.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, caṅkamanasālan”ti.

Grass and dust fell into the indoor walking-meditation paths. Caṅkamanasālāyaṁ tiṇacuṇṇaṁ paripatati …pe…

“I allow you to firm up the structure and then to plaster it inside and outside, including: “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, ogumphetvā ullittāvalittaṁ kātuṁ—treating with white color, black color, and red ocher; making garland patterns, creeper patterns, shark-teeth patterns, and the fivefold pattern; putting up bamboo robe racks and clotheslines.” setavaṇṇaṁ kāḷavaṇṇaṁ gerukaparikammaṁ mālākammaṁ latākammaṁ makaradantakaṁ pañcapaṭikaṁ cīvaravaṁsaṁ cīvararajjun”ti.

Saunas

They built saunas on a low base. They were flooded. Jantāgharaṁ nīcavatthukaṁ hoti, udakena otthariyyati …pe…

“I allow you to raise the base.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, uccavatthukaṁ kātun”ti.

The mound collapsed. Cayo paripatati …pe…

“I allow you to construct three kinds of raised foundations: “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, cinituṁ tayo caye—raised foundations of brick, stone, and wood.” iṭṭhakācayaṁ, silācayaṁ, dārucayan”ti.

It was difficult to get up to the saunas. Ārohantā vihaññanti …pe…

“I allow three kinds of stairs: “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, tayo sopāne—stairs of brick, stone, and wood.” iṭṭhakāsopānaṁ, silāsopānaṁ, dārusopānan”ti.

People fell down while climbing the stairs. Ārohantā paripatanti …pe…

“I allow rails.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, ālambanabāhan”ti.

The saunas didn’t have doors. Jantāgharassa kavāṭaṁ na hoti …pe…

“I allow doors, door frames, lower hinges, upper hinges, door jambs, bolt sockets, bolts, latches, keyholes, door-pulling holes, and door-pulling ropes.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, kavāṭaṁ piṭṭhasaṅghāṭaṁ udukkhalikaṁ uttarapāsakaṁ aggaḷavaṭṭiṁ kapisīsakaṁ sūcikaṁ ghaṭikaṁ tāḷacchiddaṁ āviñchanachiddaṁ āviñchanarajjun”ti.

The base of the sauna walls deteriorated. Jantāgharassa kuṭṭapādo jīrati …pe…

“I allow you to make encircling trenches.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, maṇḍalikaṁ kātun”ti.

The saunas didn’t have flues. Jantāgharassa dhūmanettaṁ na hoti …pe…

“I allow flues.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, dhūmanettan”ti.

At that time the monks built a fireplace in the middle of a small sauna. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū khuddake jantāghare majjhe aggiṭṭhānaṁ karonti. There was no access around the fireplace. Upacāro na hoti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“In a small sauna, you should make the fireplace to one side, but in a large one in the middle.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, khuddake jantāghare ekamantaṁ aggiṭṭhānaṁ kātuṁ, mahallake majjhe”ti.

The fire in the sauna scorched their faces. Jantāghare aggi mukhaṁ ḍahati …pe…

“I allow clay for the face.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, mukhamattikan”ti.

They moistened the clay in their hands. Hatthe mattikaṁ tementi …pe…

“I allow a trough for the clay.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, mattikādoṇikan”ti.

The clay was smelly. Mattikā duggandhā hoti …pe…

“I allow you to add scent.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, vāsetun”ti.

The fire in the sauna scorched their bodies. Jantāghare aggi kāyaṁ ḍahati …pe…

“I allow you to bring water.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, udakaṁ atiharitun”ti.

They brought the water in basins and bowls. Pātiyāpi pattenapi udakaṁ atiharanti …pe…

“I allow a place for the water and a water scoop.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, udakaṭṭhānaṁ, udakasarāvakan”ti.

Because the sauna had a grass roof, they did not sweat. Jantāgharaṁ tiṇacchadanaṁ na sedeti …pe…

“I allow you to firm up the structure and then to plaster it inside and outside.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, ogumphetvā ullittāvalittaṁ kātun”ti.

The sauna was muddy. Jantāgharaṁ cikkhallaṁ hoti …pe…

“I allow three kinds of floors: “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, santharituṁ tayo santhare—floors of brick, stone, and wood.” iṭṭhakāsantharaṁ, silāsantharaṁ, dārusantharan”ti.

It was still muddy. Cikkhallaṁyeva hoti …pe…

“You should wash it.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, dhovitun”ti.

The water remained. Udakaṁ santiṭṭhati …pe…

“I allow water drains.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, udakaniddhamanan”ti.

The monks sat on the ground and their limbs became itchy. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū jantāghare chamāya nisīdanti, gattāni kaṇḍūvanti.

Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow sauna benches.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, jantāgharapīṭhan”ti.

At that time the saunas were unenclosed. Tena kho pana samayena jantāgharaṁ aparikkhittaṁ hoti …pe…

“I allow three kinds of encircling walls: “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, parikkhipituṁ tayo pākāre—walls of brick, stone, and wood.” iṭṭhakāpākāraṁ, silāpākāraṁ, dārupākāran”ti.

There were no gatehouses. Koṭṭhako na hoti …pe…

“I allow gatehouses.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, koṭṭhakan”ti.

They built the gatehouses on a low base. They were flooded. Koṭṭhako nīcavatthuko hoti, udakena otthariyyati …pe…

“I allow you to raise the base.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, uccavatthukaṁ kātun”ti.

The mound collapsed. Cayo paripatati …pe…

“I allow you to construct three kinds of raised foundations: “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, cinituṁ tayo caye—raised foundations of brick, stone, and wood.” iṭṭhakācayaṁ, silācayaṁ, dārucayan”ti.

It was difficult to get up to the gatehouses. Ārohantā vihaññanti …pe…

“I allow three kinds of stairs: “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, tayo sopāne—stairs of brick, stone, and wood.” iṭṭhakāsopānaṁ, silāsopānaṁ, dārusopānan”ti.

People fell down while climbing the stairs. Ārohantā paripatanti …pe…

“I allow rails.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, ālambanabāhan”ti.

The gatehouses didn’t have doors. Koṭṭhakassa kavāṭaṁ na hoti …pe…

“I allow doors, door frames, lower hinges, upper hinges, door jambs, bolt sockets, bolts, latches, keyholes, door-pulling holes, and door-pulling ropes.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, kavāṭaṁ piṭṭhasaṅghāṭaṁ udukkhalikaṁ uttarapāsakaṁ aggaḷavaṭṭiṁ kapisīsakaṁ sūcikaṁ ghaṭikaṁ tāḷacchiddaṁ āviñchanachiddaṁ āviñchanarajjun”ti.

Grass and dust fell into the gatehouses. Koṭṭhake tiṇacuṇṇaṁ paripatati …pe…

“I allow you to firm up the structure and then plaster it inside and outside, including: “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, ogumphetvā ullittāvalittaṁ kātuṁ—treating with white color, black color, and red ocher; making garland patterns, creeper patterns, shark-teeth patterns, and the fivefold pattern.” setavaṇṇaṁ kāḷavaṇṇaṁ gerukaparikammaṁ mālākammaṁ latākammaṁ makaradantakaṁ pañcapaṭikan”ti.

The yards were muddy. Pariveṇaṁ cikkhallaṁ hoti …pe…

“I allow a you to cover them with gravel.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, marumbaṁ upakiritun”ti.

They were unable to do it. Na pariyāpuṇanti …pe…

“I allow you to lay paving stones.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, padarasilaṁ nikkhipitun”ti.

The water remained. Udakaṁ santiṭṭhati …pe…

“I allow water drains.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, udakaniddhamanan”ti.

At that time naked monks bowed down to other naked monks, Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū naggā naggaṁ abhivādenti …pe… had other naked monks bow down to them, provided assistance to other naked monks, had other naked monks provide assistance to them, gave to other naked monks, received, ate fresh foods, ate cooked foods, ate other foods, and drank. naggā naggaṁ abhivādāpenti, naggā naggassa parikammaṁ karonti, naggā naggassa parikammaṁ kārāpenti, naggā naggassa denti, naggā paṭiggaṇhanti, naggā khādanti, naggā bhuñjanti, naggā sāyanti, naggā pivanti. They told the Buddha. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“One who is naked shouldn’t bow down to one who is naked, “Na, bhikkhave, naggena naggo abhivādetabbo …pe… shouldn’t bow down to anyone, na naggena abhivādetabbaṁ … shouldn’t have a naked monk bow down to him, na naggena naggo abhivādāpetabbo … shouldn’t have anyone bow down to him, na naggena abhivādāpetabbaṁ … shouldn’t provide assistance to a naked monk, na naggena naggassa parikammaṁ kātabbaṁ … shouldn’t have a naked monk provide assistance to him, na naggena naggassa parikammaṁ kārāpetabbaṁ … shouldn’t give to a naked monk, na naggena naggassa dātabbaṁ … shouldn’t receive, na naggena paṭiggahetabbaṁ … shouldn’t eat fresh foods, na naggena khāditabbaṁ … shouldn’t eat cooked food, na naggena bhuñjitabbaṁ … shouldn’t eat anything, na naggena sāyitabbaṁ … and shouldn’t drink. na naggena pātabbaṁ. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo piveyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

At that time the monks put their robes on the ground in the sauna. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū jantāghare chamāya cīvaraṁ nikkhipanti. The robes became dirty. Cīvaraṁ paṁsukitaṁ hoti. They told the Buddha. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow bamboo robe racks and clotheslines.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, cīvaravaṁsaṁ cīvararajjun”ti.

It rained and the robes became wet. Deve vassante cīvaraṁ ovassati …pe…

“I allow sauna sheds.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, jantāgharasālan”ti.

They built the sauna sheds on a low base. They were flooded. Jantāgharasālā nīcavatthukā hoti, udakena otthariyyati …pe…

“I allow you to raise the base.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, uccavatthukaṁ kātun”ti.

The mound collapsed. Cayo paripatati …pe…

“I allow you to construct three kinds of raised foundations: raised foundations of brick, stone, and wood.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, cinituṁ …pe…

It was difficult to get up to the sauna sheds. ārohantā vihaññanti …pe…

“I allow three kinds of stairs: stairs of brick, stone, and wood.”

People fell down while climbing the stairs. ārohantā paripatanti …pe…

“I allow rails.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, ālambanabāhan”ti.

Grass and dust fell into the sauna sheds. Jantāgharasālāya tiṇacuṇṇaṁ paripatati …pe…

“I allow you to firm up the structure and then to plaster it inside and outside, including: treating with white color, black color, and red ocher; making garland patterns, creeper patterns, shark-teeth patterns, and the fivefold pattern; “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, ogumphetvā ullittāvalittaṁ kātuṁ …pe… putting up bamboo robe racks and clotheslines.” cīvaravaṁsaṁ cīvararajjun”ti.

Being afraid of wrongdoing, the monks did not provide assistance to one another either in the sauna or in the water. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū jantāgharepi udakepi parikammaṁ kātuṁ kukkuccāyanti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow you to regard three things as a ‘covering’: “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, tisso paṭicchādiyo—a sauna, water, and a cloth.” jantāgharapaṭicchādiṁ, udakapaṭicchādiṁ, vatthapaṭicchādin”ti.

Wells

On one occasion there was no water in the sauna. Tena kho pana samayena jantāghare udakaṁ na hoti. They told the Buddha. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow a well.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, udapānan”ti.

The edge of the well collapsed. Udapānassa kūlaṁ lujjati …pe…

“I allow you to construct three kinds of foundations: “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, cinituṁ tayo caye—foundations of brick, stone, and wood.” iṭṭhakācayaṁ, silācayaṁ, dārucayan”ti.

The well was situated at a low point. It was flooded. Udapāno nīcavatthuko hoti, udakena otthariyyati …pe…

“I allow you to raise the base.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, uccavatthukaṁ kātun”ti.

The mound collapsed. Cayo paripatati …pe…

“I allow you to construct three kinds of raised foundations: raised foundations of brick, stone, and wood.”

It was difficult to get up to the well. ārohantā vihaññanti …pe…

“I allow three kinds of stairs: stairs of brick, stone, and wood.”

People fell down while climbing the stairs. ārohantā paripatanti …pe…

“I allow rails.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, ālambanabāhan”ti.

At that time the monks used creepers and belts to haul water. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū vallikāyapi kāyabandhanenapi udakaṁ vāhenti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow a water-hauling rope.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, udakavāhanarajjun”ti.

It hurt their hands. Hatthā dukkhā honti …pe…

“I allow a well-sweep, a pulley, and well-wheels.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, tulaṁ karakaṭakaṁ cakkavaṭṭakan”ti.

Many vessels broke. Bhājanā bahū bhijjanti …pe…

“I allow three kinds of buckets: “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, tayo vārake—buckets made of iron, wood, and hide.” lohavārakaṁ, dāruvārakaṁ, cammakkhaṇḍan”ti.

Hauling water outside, the monks were troubled by the cold and the heat. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū ajjhokāse udakaṁ vāhentā sītenapi uṇhenapi kilamanti. They told the Buddha. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow well houses.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, udapānasālan”ti.

Grass and dust fell into the well houses. Udapānasālāya tiṇacuṇṇaṁ paripatati …pe…

“I allow you to firm up the structure and then plaster it inside and outside, including: “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, ogumphetvā ullittāvalittaṁ kātuṁ—treating with white color, black color, and red ocher; making garland patterns, creeper patterns, shark-teeth patterns, and the fivefold pattern; putting up bamboo robe racks and clotheslines.” setavaṇṇaṁ kāḷavaṇṇaṁ gerukaparikammaṁ mālākammaṁ latākammaṁ makaradantakaṁ pañcapaṭikaṁ cīvaravaṁsaṁ cīvararajjun”ti.

The wells were not covered. Grass, dust, and dirt fell into them. Udapāno apāruto hoti, tiṇacuṇṇehipi paṁsukehipi okiriyyati …pe…

“I allow covers.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, apidhānan”ti.

There were no vessels for the water. Udakabhājanaṁ na saṁvijjati …pe…

“I allow water troughs and waterpots.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, udakadoṇiṁ udakakaṭāhan”ti.

Other structures

At that time the monks bathed here and there in the monastery. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū ārāme tahaṁ tahaṁ nahāyanti. The monastery became muddy. Ārāmo cikkhallo hoti. They told the Buddha. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow a waste-water disposal area.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, candanikan”ti.

The area was unenclosed. Candanikā pākaṭā hoti. The monks were embarrassed to bathe there. Bhikkhū hiriyanti nahāyituṁ …pe…

“I allow three kinds of encircling walls: “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, parikkhipituṁ tayo pākāre—walls of brick, stone, and wood.” iṭṭhakāpākāraṁ, silāpākāraṁ, dārupākāran”ti.

The area became muddy. Candanikā cikkhallā hoti …pe…

“I allow three kinds of deckings: “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, santharituṁ tayo santhare—deckings of brick, stone, and wood.” iṭṭhakāsantharaṁ, silāsantharaṁ, dārusantharan”ti.

The water remained. Udakaṁ santiṭṭhati …pe…

“I allow water drains.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, udakaniddhamanan”ti.

The monks were cold. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhūnaṁ gattāni sītigatāni honti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ …pe…

“I allow a water wiper and a towel to dry yourselves.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, udakapuñchaniṁ coḷakenapi paccuddharitun”ti.

On one occasion a lay follower wanted to build a lotus bathing tank for the benefit of the Sangha. Tena kho pana samayena aññataro upāsako saṅghassa atthāya pokkharaṇiṁ kāretukāmo hoti. They told the Buddha. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ …pe…

“I allow lotus bathing tanks.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, pokkharaṇin”ti.

The edges of the tank collapsed. Pokkharaṇiyā kūlaṁ lujjati …pe…

“I allow you to construct three kinds of foundations: “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, cinituṁ tayo caye—foundations of brick, stone, and wood.” iṭṭhakācayaṁ, silācayaṁ, dārucayan”ti.

It was difficult to get up to the tank. Ārohantā vihaññanti …pe…

“I allow three kinds of stairs: “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, tayo sopāne—stairs of brick, stone, and wood.” iṭṭhakāsopānaṁ, silāsopānaṁ, dārusopānan”ti.

People fell down while climbing the stairs. Ārohantā paripatanti …pe…

“I allow rails.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, ālambanabāhan”ti.

The water in the tanks became stagnant. Pokkharaṇiyā udakaṁ purāṇaṁ hoti …pe…

“I allow a channel and a drain.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, udakamātikaṁ udakaniddhamanan”ti.

On one occasion a certain monk wanted to build a sauna with a pointed roof for the benefit of the Sangha. Tena kho pana samayena aññataro bhikkhu saṅghassa atthāya nillekhaṁ jantāgharaṁ kattukāmo hoti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ …pe…

“I allow saunas with pointed roofs.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, nillekhaṁ jantāgharan”ti.

Various regulations on proper conduct and allowable requisites

At one time the monks from the group of six did not have sitting mats for a period of four months. Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū cātumāsaṁ nisīdanena vippavasanti. They told the Buddha. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ …pe…

“You shouldn’t be without a sitting mat for a period of four months. “na, bhikkhave, cātumāsaṁ nisīdanena vippavasitabbaṁ. If you are, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo vippavaseyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

At that time the monks from the group of six slept in beds covered in flowers. Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū pupphābhikiṇṇesu sayanesu sayanti. When people walking about the dwellings saw this, they complained and criticized them, Manussā vihāracārikaṁ āhiṇḍantā passitvā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“They’re just like householders who indulge in worldly pleasures!” “seyyathāpi gihī kāmabhogino”ti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t sleep in a bed covered in flowers. “Na, bhikkhave, pupphābhikiṇṇesu sayanesu sayitabbaṁ. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo sayeyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

Soon, people brought scents and garlands to the monastery. Tena kho pana samayena manussā gandhampi mālampi ādāya ārāmaṁ āgacchanti. Being afraid of wrongdoing, the monks did not accept. Bhikkhū kukkuccāyantā na paṭiggaṇhanti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow you to accept scent to make the five-finger mark on your door and to accept flowers to place to one side in your dwelling.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, gandhaṁ gahetvā kavāṭe pañcaṅgulikaṁ dātuṁ, pupphaṁ gahetvā vihāre ekamantaṁ nikkhipitun”ti.

On one occasion the Sangha was offered a piece of felt. Tena kho pana samayena saṅghassa namatakaṁ uppannaṁ hoti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow felt.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, namatakan”ti.

The monks thought, Atha kho bhikkhūnaṁ etadahosi—“Should it be determined or assigned to another?” “namatakaṁ adhiṭṭhātabbaṁ nu kho udāhu vikappetabban”ti …pe…

“It should neither be determined nor assigned to another.” “na, bhikkhave, namatakaṁ adhiṭṭhātabbaṁ, na vikappetabban”ti.

The monks from the group of six ate food on a stand with a heating device. Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū āsittakūpadhāne bhuñjanti. People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“They’re just like householders who indulge in worldly pleasures!” “seyyathāpi gihī kāmabhogino”ti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ …pe…

“You shouldn’t eat food on a stand with a heating device. “na, bhikkhave, āsittakūpadhāne bhuñjitabbaṁ. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo bhuñjeyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

On one occasion a certain sick monk Tena kho pana samayena aññataro bhikkhu gilāno hoti. was unable to hold his bowl with his hands while eating. So bhuñjamāno na sakkoti hatthena pattaṁ sandhāretuṁ. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow a stand.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, maḷorikan”ti.

At that time the monks from the group of six ate from the same vessel and Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū ekabhājanepi bhuñjanti …pe… drank from the same vessel, and they lay down on the same bed, on the same sheet, under the same cover, and both on the same sheet and under the same cover. ekathālakepi pivanti, ekamañcepi tuvaṭṭenti, ekattharaṇāpi tuvaṭṭenti, ekapāvuraṇāpi tuvaṭṭenti, ekattharaṇapāvuraṇāpi tuvaṭṭenti. People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“They’re just like householders who indulge in worldly pleasures!” “seyyathāpi gihī kāmabhogino”ti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t eat from the same vessel, “Na, bhikkhave, ekabhājane bhuñjitabbaṁ …pe… drink from the same vessel, na ekathālake pātabbaṁ … lie down on the same bed, na ekamañce tuvaṭṭitabbaṁ … lie down on the same sheet, na ekattharaṇā tuvaṭṭitabbaṁ … lie down under the same cover, na ekapāvuraṇā tuvaṭṭitabbaṁ … or lie down both on the same sheet and under the same cover. na ekattharaṇapāvuraṇā tuvaṭṭitabbaṁ. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo tuvaṭṭeyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

Overturning the bowl

At one time Vaḍḍha the Licchavī was a friend of the monks Mettiya and Bhūmajaka. Tena kho pana samayena vaḍḍho licchavī mettiyabhūmajakānaṁ bhikkhūnaṁ sahāyo hoti. On one occasion he went to them and said, Atha kho vaḍḍho licchavī yena mettiyabhūmajakā bhikkhū tenupasaṅkami, upasaṅkamitvā mettiyabhūmajake bhikkhū etadavoca—“Respectful greetings, venerables.” “vandāmi, ayyā”ti. They did not respond. Evaṁ vutte, mettiyabhūmajakā bhikkhū nālapiṁsu. A second time Dutiyampi kho vaḍḍho licchavī mettiyabhūmajake bhikkhū etadavoca—“vandāmi, ayyā”ti. Dutiyampi kho mettiyabhūmajakā bhikkhū nālapiṁsu. and a third time he said the same thing, Tatiyampi kho vaḍḍho licchavī mettiyabhūmajake bhikkhū etadavoca—“vandāmi, ayyā”ti. but they still did not respond. Tatiyampi kho mettiyabhūmajakā bhikkhū nālapiṁsu.

“Have I done something wrong? Why don’t you respond?” “Kyāhaṁ ayyānaṁ aparajjhāmi, kissa maṁ ayyā nālapantī”ti?

“It’s because we’ve been treated badly by Dabba the Mallian, and you’re not taking an interest.” “Tathā hi pana tvaṁ, āvuso vaḍḍha, amhe dabbena mallaputtena viheṭhiyamāne ajjhupekkhasī”ti.

“But what can I do?” “Kyāhaṁ, ayyā, karomī”ti?

“If you like, you could make the Buddha expel Dabba.” “Sace kho tvaṁ, āvuso vaḍḍha, iccheyyāsi, ajjeva bhagavā āyasmantaṁ dabbaṁ mallaputtaṁ nāsāpeyyā”ti.

“And how can I do that?” “Kyāhaṁ, ayyā, karomi, kiṁ mayā sakkā kātun”ti?

“Go to the Buddha and say, “Ehi tvaṁ, āvuso vaḍḍha, yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkama, upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṁ evaṁ vadehi—‘Sir, this is not proper or appropriate. ‘idaṁ, bhante, nacchannaṁ nappatirūpaṁ. There’s fear, distress, and oppression in this district, where none of these should exist. Yāyaṁ, bhante, disā abhayā anītikā anupaddavā sāyaṁ disā sabhayā saītikā saupaddavā; It’s windy where it should be calm. yato nivātaṁ tato savātaṁ; It’s as if water is burning. udakaṁ maññe ādittaṁ; Venerable Dabba the Mallian has raped my wife.’” ayyena me dabbena mallaputtena pajāpati dūsitā’”ti.

Saying, “Alright, venerables,” he went to the Buddha, bowed, sat down, “Evaṁ, ayyā”ti kho vaḍḍho licchavī mettiyabhūmajakānaṁ bhikkhūnaṁ paṭissutvā yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami, upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ nisīdi. and repeated Ekamantaṁ nisinno kho vaḍḍho licchavī bhagavantaṁ etadavoca—what he had been told to say. “idaṁ, bhante, nacchannaṁ nappatirūpaṁ. Yāyaṁ, bhante, disā abhayā anītikā anupaddavā sāyaṁ disā sabhayā saītikā saupaddavā; yato nivātaṁ tato savātaṁ; udakaṁ maññe ādittaṁ; ayyena me dabbena mallaputtena pajāpati dūsitā”ti.

Soon afterwards the Buddha had the Sangha gathered and questioned Dabba: Atha kho bhagavā etasmiṁ nidāne etasmiṁ pakaraṇe bhikkhusaṅghaṁ sannipātāpetvā āyasmantaṁ dabbaṁ mallaputtaṁ paṭipucchi—“Dabba, do you remember doing as Vaḍḍha says?” “sarasi tvaṁ, dabba, evarūpaṁ kattā yathāyaṁ vaḍḍho āhā”ti?

“Sir, you know what I’m like.” “Yathā maṁ, bhante, bhagavā jānātī”ti.

A second Dutiyampi kho bhagavā …pe… and a third time the Buddha asked the same question tatiyampi kho bhagavā āyasmantaṁ dabbaṁ mallaputtaṁ etadavoca—“sarasi tvaṁ, dabba, evarūpaṁ kattā yathāyaṁ vaḍḍho āhā”ti? and got the same response. “Yathā maṁ, bhante, bhagavā jānātī”ti. He then said, “Dabba, the Dabbas don’t give such evasive answers. “Na kho, dabba, dabbā evaṁ nibbeṭhenti. If it was done by you, say so; Sace tayā kataṁ, katanti vadehi; if it wasn’t, then say that.” sace akataṁ, akatanti vadehī”ti.

“Since I was born, sir, I don’t recall having sexual intercourse even in a dream, let alone when awake.” “Yato ahaṁ, bhante, jāto nābhijānāmi supinantenapi methunaṁ dhammaṁ paṭisevitā, pageva jāgaro”ti.

The Buddha addressed the monks: Atha kho bhagavā bhikkhū āmantesi—“Well then, monks, the Sangha should overturn the almsbowl against Vaḍḍha the Licchavī, prohibiting him from interacting with the Sangha. “tena hi, bhikkhave, saṅgho vaḍḍhassa licchavissa pattaṁ nikkujjatu, asambhogaṁ saṅghena karotu.

When a lay follower has eight qualities, you should overturn your bowl against him: Aṭṭhahi, bhikkhave, aṅgehi samannāgatassa upāsakassa patto nikkujjitabbo—he’s trying to stop monks from getting material support; he’s trying to harm monks; he’s trying to get monks to lose their place of residence; he abuses and reviles monks; he causes division between monks; he disparages the Buddha; he disparages the Teaching; he disparages the Sangha. bhikkhūnaṁ alābhāya parisakkati, bhikkhūnaṁ anatthāya parisakkati, bhikkhūnaṁ avāsāya parisakkati, bhikkhū akkosati paribhāsati, bhikkhū bhikkhūhi bhedeti, buddhassa avaṇṇaṁ bhāsati, dhammassa avaṇṇaṁ bhāsati, saṅghassa avaṇṇaṁ bhāsati.

Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, imehi aṭṭhahaṅgehi samannāgatassa upāsakassa pattaṁ nikkujjituṁ.

And the overturning of the bowl is to be done like this. Evañca pana, bhikkhave, nikkujjitabbo. A competent and capable monk should inform the Sangha: Byattena bhikkhunā paṭibalena saṅgho ñāpetabbo—

Turning the bowl upright

After robing up the following morning, Venerable Ānanda took his bowl and robe, went to the house of Vaḍḍha the Licchavī, and told him, Atha kho āyasmā ānando pubbaṇhasamayaṁ nivāsetvā pattacīvaramādāya yena vaḍḍhassa licchavissa nivesanaṁ tenupasaṅkami, upasaṅkamitvā vaḍḍhaṁ licchaviṁ etadavoca—“Vaḍḍha, the Sangha has overturned the bowl against you. “saṅghena te, āvuso vaḍḍha, patto nikkujjito. You’re prohibited from interacting with the Sangha.” Asambhogosi saṅghenā”ti. Atha kho vaḍḍho licchavī—saṅghena kira me patto nikkujjito, asambhogomhi kira saṅghenāti—And Vaḍḍha fainted right there. tattheva mucchito papato. But Vaḍḍha’s friends and relatives said to him, Atha kho vaḍḍhassa licchavissa mittāmaccā ñātisālohitā vaḍḍhaṁ licchaviṁ etadavocuṁ—“Don’t be sad, Vaḍḍha. “alaṁ, āvuso vaḍḍha, mā soci, mā paridevi. We’ll reconcile you with the Buddha and the Sangha of monks.” Mayaṁ bhagavantaṁ pasādessāma bhikkhusaṅghañcā”ti.

Soon afterwards Vaḍḍha, together with his wives and children, together with his friends and relatives, with wet clothes and wet hair, went to the Buddha. He bowed down at the Buddha’s feet and said, Atha kho vaḍḍho licchavī saputtadāro samittāmacco sañātisālohito allavattho allakeso yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami, upasaṅkamitvā bhagavato pādesu sirasā nipatitvā bhagavantaṁ etadavoca—“Sir, I’ve made a mistake. I’ve been foolish, confused, and unskillful. “accayo maṁ, bhante, accagamā yathābālaṁ yathāmūḷhaṁ yathāakusalaṁ, yohaṁ ayyaṁ dabbaṁ mallaputtaṁ amūlikāya sīlavipattiyā anuddhaṁsesiṁ. Please forgive me so that I may restrain myself in the future.” Tassa me, bhante, bhagavā accayaṁ accayato paṭiggaṇhātu āyatiṁ saṁvarāyā”ti.

“You have certainly made a mistake. You’ve been foolish, confused, and unskillful. “Taggha tvaṁ, āvuso vaḍḍha, accayo accagamā yathābālaṁ yathāmūḷhaṁ yathāakusalaṁ, yaṁ tvaṁ dabbaṁ mallaputtaṁ amūlikāya sīlavipattiyā anuddhaṁsesi. But since you acknowledge your mistake and make proper amends, I forgive you. Yato ca kho tvaṁ, āvuso vaḍḍha, accayaṁ accayato disvā yathādhammaṁ paṭikarosi, taṁ te mayaṁ paṭiggaṇhāma. For this is called growth in the training of the noble ones: acknowledging a mistake, making proper amends, and undertaking restraint in the future.” Vuḍḍhihesā, āvuso vaḍḍha, ariyassa vinaye yo accayaṁ accayato disvā yathādhammaṁ paṭikaroti, āyatiṁ saṁvaraṁ āpajjatī”ti.

The Buddha then addressed the monks: Atha kho bhagavā bhikkhū āmantesi—“Well then, the Sangha should turn the almsbowl upright for Vaḍḍha the Licchavī, allowing him to interact with the Sangha. “tena hi, bhikkhave, saṅgho vaḍḍhassa licchavissa pattaṁ ukkujjatu, sambhogaṁ saṅghena karotu.

When a lay follower has eight qualities, you should turn your bowl upright for him: Aṭṭhahi, bhikkhave, aṅgehi samannāgatassa upāsakassa patto ukkujjitabbo—he’s not trying to stop monks from getting material support; he’s not trying to harm monks; he’s not trying to get monks to lose their place of residence; he doesn’t abuse or revile monks; he doesn’t cause division between monks; he doesn’t disparage the Buddha; he doesn’t disparage the Teaching; he doesn’t disparage the Sangha. na bhikkhūnaṁ alābhāya parisakkati, na bhikkhūnaṁ anatthāya parisakkati, na bhikkhūnaṁ avāsāya parisakkati, na bhikkhū akkosati paribhāsati, na bhikkhū bhikkhūhi bhedeti, na buddhassa avaṇṇaṁ bhāsati, na dhammassa avaṇṇaṁ bhāsati, na saṅghassa avaṇṇaṁ bhāsati.

Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, imehi aṭṭhahaṅgehi samannāgatassa upāsakassa pattaṁ ukkujjituṁ.

And the turning of the bowl upright is to be done like this. Evañca pana, bhikkhave, ukkujjitabbo. Vaḍḍha the Licchavī should approach the Sangha, arrange his upper robe over one shoulder, pay respect at the feet of the monks, squat on his heels, raise his joined palms, and say: Tena, bhikkhave, vaḍḍhena licchavinā saṅghaṁ upasaṅkamitvā ekaṁsaṁ uttarāsaṅgaṁ karitvā bhikkhūnaṁ pāde vanditvā ukkuṭikaṁ nisīditvā añjaliṁ paggahetvā evamassa vacanīyo—

‘Venerables, the Sangha has overturned the bowl against me, prohibiting me from interacting with the Sangha. ‘saṅghena me, bhante, patto nikkujjito, asambhogomhi saṅghena. I’m now conducting myself properly and suitably so as to deserve to be released. I ask the Sangha to turn the bowl upright for me.’ Sohaṁ, bhante, sammā vattāmi, lomaṁ pātemi, netthāraṁ vattāmi, saṅghaṁ pattukkujjanaṁ yācāmī’ti. And he should ask a second Dutiyampi yācitabbo. and a third time. Tatiyampi yācitabbo. A competent and capable monk should then inform the Sangha: Byattena bhikkhunā paṭibalena saṅgho ñāpetabbo—

Stepping on cloth

When the Buddha had stayed at Vesālī for as long as he liked, he set out wandering toward the country of Bhaggā. Atha kho bhagavā vesāliyaṁ yathābhirantaṁ viharitvā yena bhaggā tena cārikaṁ pakkāmi. When he eventually arrived, Anupubbena cārikaṁ caramāno yena bhaggā tadavasari. he stayed at Susumāragira in the Bhesakaḷā Grove, the deer park. Tatra sudaṁ bhagavā bhaggesu viharati susumāragire bhesakaḷāvane migadāye.

At this time Prince Bodhi had recently built the Kokanada stilt house. It had not yet been inhabited by any monastic or brahmin, or anyone else. Tena kho pana samayena bodhissa rājakumārassa kokanado nāma pāsādo acirakārito hoti, anajjhāvuttho samaṇena vā brāhmaṇena vā kenaci vā manussabhūtena.

The prince said to the young brahmin Sañcikāputta, Atha kho bodhi rājakumāro sañcikāputtaṁ māṇavaṁ āmantesi—“My dear Sañcikāputta, please go to the Buddha, bow down in my name with your head at his feet, “ehi tvaṁ, samma sañcikāputta, yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkama, upasaṅkamitvā mama vacanena bhagavato pāde sirasā vanda; and ask appābādhaṁ appātaṅkaṁ lahuṭṭhānaṁ balaṁ phāsuvihāraṁ puccha—if he’s healthy, strong, and living at ease. ‘bodhi, bhante, rājakumāro bhagavato pāde sirasā vandati, appābādhaṁ appātaṅkaṁ lahuṭṭhānaṁ balaṁ phāsuvihāraṁ pucchatī’ti. And then say, Evañca vadehi—‘Sir, please accept tomorrow’s meal from Prince Bodhi together with the Sangha of monks.’” ‘adhivāsetu kira, bhante, bhagavā bodhissa rājakumārassa svātanāya bhattaṁ saddhiṁ bhikkhusaṅghenā’”ti.

Saying, “Yes, sir,” Sañcikāputta went to the Buddha and exchanged pleasantries with him. He then sat down “Evaṁ, bho”ti kho sañcikāputto māṇavo bodhissa rājakumārassa paṭissutvā yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami, upasaṅkamitvā bhagavatā saddhiṁ sammodi, sammodanīyaṁ kathaṁ sāraṇīyaṁ vītisāretvā ekamantaṁ nisīdi. and told the Buddha all he had been asked to say, Ekamantaṁ nisinno kho sañcikāputto māṇavo bhagavantaṁ etadavoca—“bodhi kho rājakumāro bhoto gotamassa pāde sirasā vandati, appābādhaṁ appātaṅkaṁ lahuṭṭhānaṁ balaṁ phāsuvihāraṁ pucchati. Evañca vadeti—concluding with the invitation for the meal on the following day. ‘adhivāsetu kira bhavaṁ gotamo bodhissa rājakumārassa svātanāya bhattaṁ saddhiṁ bhikkhusaṅghenā’”ti. The Buddha consented by remaining silent. Adhivāsesi bhagavā tuṇhībhāvena. Knowing that the Buddha had consented, Sañcikāputta got up from his seat, returned to the prince, and told him what had happened. Atha kho sañcikāputto māṇavo bhagavato adhivāsanaṁ viditvā uṭṭhāyāsanā yena bodhi rājakumāro tenupasaṅkami, upasaṅkamitvā bodhiṁ rājakumāraṁ etadavoca—“avocumha kho mayaṁ bhoto vacanena taṁ bhavantaṁ gotamaṁ—‘bodhi kho rājakumāro bhoto gotamassa pāde sirasā vandati, appābādhaṁ appātaṅkaṁ lahuṭṭhānaṁ balaṁ phāsuvihāraṁ pucchati. Evañca vadeti—adhivāsetu kira bhavaṁ gotamo bodhissa rājakumārassa svātanāya bhattaṁ saddhiṁ bhikkhusaṅghenā’ti. Adhivutthañca pana samaṇena gotamenā”ti.

The next morning Prince Bodhi had various kinds of fine foods prepared, and had the entire Kokanada stilt house covered with white cloth, all the way to the bottom step of the staircase. He then said to Sañcikāputta, Atha kho bodhi rājakumāro tassā rattiyā accayena paṇītaṁ khādanīyaṁ bhojanīyaṁ paṭiyādāpetvā, kokanadañca pāsādaṁ odātehi dussehi santharāpetvā yāva pacchimasopānakaḷevarā, sañcikāputtaṁ māṇavaṁ āmantesi—“Go to the Buddha “ehi tvaṁ, samma sañcikāputta, yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkama, upasaṅkamitvā bhagavato kālaṁ ārocehi—and tell him the meal is ready.” ‘kālo, bhante, niṭṭhitaṁ bhattan’”ti. And Sañcikāputta did as instructed. “Evaṁ, bho”ti kho sañcikāputto māṇavo bodhissa rājakumārassa paṭissutvā yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami, upasaṅkamitvā bhagavato kālaṁ ārocesi—“kālo, bho gotama, niṭṭhitaṁ bhattan”ti.

Soon afterwards, the Buddha robed up in the morning, took his bowl and robe, and went the prince’s house. Atha kho bhagavā pubbaṇhasamayaṁ nivāsetvā pattacīvaramādāya yena bodhissa rājakumārassa nivesanaṁ tenupasaṅkami. The prince was standing outside the gatehouse, waiting for the Buddha. Tena kho pana samayena bodhi rājakumāro bahidvārakoṭṭhake ṭhito hoti, bhagavantaṁ āgamayamāno. When he saw the Buddha coming, Addasā kho bodhi rājakumāro bhagavantaṁ dūratova āgacchantaṁ. he went out to meet him, bowed down to him, and then returned to the Kokanada stilt house with the Buddha in front. Disvāna tato paccuggantvā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā purekkhatvā yena kokanado pāsādo tenupasaṅkami.

But the Buddha stopped at the bottom stair of that staircase. Atha kho bhagavā pacchimasopānakaḷevaraṁ nissāya aṭṭhāsi. The prince said, Atha kho bodhi rājakumāro bhagavantaṁ etadavoca—“Sir, please step on the cloth. It will be for my long-term benefit and happiness.” “akkamatu, bhante, bhagavā dussāni, akkamatu sugato dussāni, yaṁ mama assa dīgharattaṁ hitāya sukhāyā”ti. The Buddha remained silent. Evaṁ vutte, bhagavā tuṇhī ahosi. A second time the prince repeated his request, but the Buddha still remained silent. Dutiyampi kho …pe… When the prince made his request for the third time, tatiyampi kho bodhi rājakumāro bhagavantaṁ etadavoca—“akkamatu, bhante, bhagavā dussāni, akkamatu sugato dussāni, yaṁ mama assa dīgharattaṁ hitāya sukhāyā”ti. the Buddha looked at Venerable Ānanda. Atha kho bhagavā āyasmantaṁ ānandaṁ apalokesi. And Ānanda said to the prince, Atha kho āyasmā ānando bodhiṁ rājakumāraṁ etadavoca—“Please fold up the cloth. “saṁharantu, rājakumāra, dussāni. The Buddha doesn’t step on cloth coverings. He has compassion for later generations.” Na bhagavā celapaṭikaṁ akkamissati pacchimaṁ janataṁ tathāgato anukampatī”ti.

The prince then had the cloth folded up and had a seat prepared up in the stilt house. Atha kho bodhi rājakumāro dussāni saṁharāpetvā uparikokanade pāsāde āsanaṁ paññapesi. The Buddha ascended the house and sat down on the prepared seat together with the Sangha of monks. Atha kho bhagavā kokanadaṁ pāsādaṁ abhiruhitvā paññatte āsane nisīdi saddhiṁ bhikkhusaṅghena. The prince personally served the various kinds of fine foods to the Sangha of monks headed by the Buddha. When the Buddha had finished his meal and had washed his hands and bowl, the prince sat down to one side. Atha kho bodhi rājakumāro buddhappamukhaṁ bhikkhusaṅghaṁ paṇītena khādanīyena bhojanīyena sahatthā santappetvā sampavāretvā, bhagavantaṁ bhuttāviṁ onītapattapāṇiṁ, ekamantaṁ nisīdi. The Buddha instructed, inspired, and gladdened him with a teaching, after which he got up from his seat and left. Ekamantaṁ nisinnaṁ kho bodhiṁ rājakumāraṁ bhagavā dhammiyā kathāya sandassetvā samādapetvā samuttejetvā sampahaṁsetvā uṭṭhāyāsanā pakkāmi.

Soon afterwards the Buddha gave a teaching and addressed the monks: Atha kho bhagavā etasmiṁ nidāne etasmiṁ pakaraṇe dhammiṁ kathaṁ katvā bhikkhū āmantesi—

“You shouldn’t step on a cloth covering. “na, bhikkhave, celapaṭikā akkamitabbā. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo akkameyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

On one occasion a woman who was unable to conceive invited the monks, prepared a cloth, and said, Tena kho pana samayena aññatarā itthī apagatagabbhā bhikkhū nimantetvā dussaṁ paññapetvā etadavoca—“Venerables, please step on the cloth.” “akkamatha, bhante, dussan”ti. But being afraid of wrongdoing, they refused. Bhikkhū kukkuccāyantā na akkamanti. “Please step on the cloth as a blessing.” “Akkamatha, bhante, dussaṁ maṅgalatthāyā”ti. They still refused. Bhikkhū kukkuccāyantā na akkamiṁsu. That woman complained and criticized them, Atha kho sā itthī ujjhāyati khiyyati vipāceti—“How can the venerables not step on a cloth as a blessing when asked?” “kathañhi nāma ayyā maṅgalatthāya yāciyamānā celapaṭikaṁ na akkamissantī”ti. The monks heard the complaints of that woman, Assosuṁ kho bhikkhū tassā itthiyā ujjhāyantiyā khiyyantiyā vipācentiyā. and they told the Buddha what had happened. Atha kho te bhikkhū bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“Householders want blessings. “Gihī, bhikkhave, maṅgalikā. I allow you, when asked, to step on a cloth covering as a blessing for householders.” Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, gihīnaṁ maṅgalatthāya yāciyamānena celapaṭikaṁ akkamitun”ti.

Being afraid of wrongdoing, the monks did not step on a towel after washing their feet. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū dhotapādakaṁ akkamituṁ kukkuccāyanti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow you to step on a towel after washing your feet.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, dhotapādakaṁ akkamitun”ti.

The second section for recitation is finished. Dutiyabhāṇavāro niṭṭhito.

More regulations on proper conduct and allowable requisites.

When the Buddha had stayed in the country of Bhaggā for as long as he liked, he set out wandering toward Sāvatthī. Atha kho bhagavā bhaggesu yathābhirantaṁ viharitvā yena sāvatthi tena cārikaṁ pakkāmi. When he eventually arrived, Anupubbena cārikaṁ caramāno yena sāvatthi tadavasari. he stayed in the Jeta Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s Monastery. Tatra sudaṁ bhagavā sāvatthiyaṁ viharati jetavane anāthapiṇḍikassa ārāme.

Soon Visākhā Migāramātā went to the Buddha, taking a waterpot, a ceramic foot scrubber, and a broom. She bowed to the Buddha, sat down, Atha kho visākhā migāramātā ghaṭakañca katakañca sammajjaniñca ādāya yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami, upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ nisīdi. and said, Ekamantaṁ nisinnā kho visākhā migāramātā bhagavantaṁ etadavoca—“Sir, for my long-term benefit and happiness, please accept this waterpot, foot scrubber, and broom.” “paṭiggaṇhātu me, bhante, bhagavā ghaṭakañca katakañca sammajjaniñca, yaṁ mama assa dīgharattaṁ hitāya sukhāyā”ti. The Buddha accepted the waterpot and the broom, Paṭiggahesi bhagavā ghaṭakañca sammajjaniñca. but not the ceramic foot scrubber. Na bhagavā katakaṁ paṭiggahesi. He then instructed, inspired, and gladdened her with a teaching, Atha kho bhagavā visākhaṁ migāramātaraṁ dhammiyā kathāya sandassesi samādapesi samuttejesi sampahaṁsesi. after which she got up from her seat, bowed down, circumambulated him with her right side toward him, and left. Atha kho visākhā migāramātā bhagavatā dhammiyā kathāya sandassitā samādapitā samuttejitā sampahaṁsitā uṭṭhāyāsanā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā padakkhiṇaṁ katvā pakkāmi.

Soon afterwards the Buddha gave a teaching and addressed the monks: Atha kho bhagavā etasmiṁ nidāne etasmiṁ pakaraṇe dhammiṁ kathaṁ katvā bhikkhū āmantesi—

“I allow waterpots and brooms. “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, ghaṭakañca sammajjaniñca. But you shouldn’t use a ceramic foot scrubber. Na, bhikkhave, katakaṁ paribhuñjitabbaṁ. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct. Yo paribhuñjeyya, āpatti dukkaṭassa. I allow three kinds of foot scrubbers: Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, tisso pādaghaṁsaniyo—stones, pebbles, and pumice.” sakkharaṁ, kathalaṁ, samuddapheṇakan”ti.

Visākhā again went to the Buddha, now taking a standard fan and a palm-leaf fan. She bowed, sat down, Atha kho visākhā migāramātā vidhūpanañca tālavaṇṭañca ādāya yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami, upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ nisīdi. and said, Ekamantaṁ nisinnā kho visākhā migāramātā bhagavantaṁ etadavoca—“Sir, for my long-term benefit and happiness, please accept this standard fan and this palm-leaf fan.” “paṭiggaṇhātu me, bhante, bhagavā vidhūpanañca tālavaṇṭañca, yaṁ mama assa dīgharattaṁ hitāya sukhāyā”ti. The Buddha accepted both. Paṭiggahesi bhagavā vidhūpanañca tālavaṇṭañca.

He then instructed, inspired, and gladdened her with a teaching, after which she got up from her seat, bowed, circumambulated him with her right side toward him, Atha kho bhagavā visākhaṁ migāramātaraṁ dhammiyā kathāya sandassesi samādapesi samuttejesi sampahaṁsesi …pe… and left. padakkhiṇaṁ katvā pakkāmi. Soon afterwards the Buddha gave a teaching and addressed the monks: Atha kho bhagavā etasmiṁ nidāne etasmiṁ pakaraṇe dhammiṁ kathaṁ katvā bhikkhū āmantesi—

“I allow standard fans and a palm-leaf fans.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, vidhūpanañca tālavaṇṭañcā”ti.

On one occasion the Sangha was offered a mosquito whisk. Tena kho pana samayena saṅghassa makasabījanī uppannā hoti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow mosquito whisks.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, makasabījanin”ti.

The Sangha was offered a yak-tail whisk. Cāmaribījanī uppannā hoti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t use a yak-tail whisk. “Na, bhikkhave, cāmaribījanī dhāretabbā. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct. Yo dhāreyya, āpatti dukkaṭassa. I allow three kinds of fans: Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, tisso bījaniyo—those made of bark, vetiver grass, and peacocks’ tail feathers.” vākamayaṁ, usīramayaṁ, morapiñchamayan”ti.

On one occasion the Sangha was offered a sunshade. Tena kho pana samayena saṅghassa chattaṁ uppannaṁ hoti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow sunshades.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, chattan”ti.

Soon afterwards the monks from the group of six walked about holding sunshades. Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū chattappaggahitā āhiṇḍanti. Then, as a certain Buddhist lay follower and a number of Ājīvaka disciples were going to the park, Tena kho pana samayena aññataro upāsako sambahulehi ājīvakasāvakehi saddhiṁ uyyānaṁ agamāsi. the Ājīvakas saw those monks in the distance with their sunshades. Addasāsuṁ kho te ājīvakasāvakā chabbaggiye bhikkhū dūratova chattappaggahite āgacchante. They said to that lay follower, Disvāna taṁ upāsakaṁ etadavocuṁ—“These venerables of yours are coming. They’re holding sunshades, just like accountants and government officials.” “ete kho ayyā tumhākaṁ bhadantā chattappaggahitā āgacchanti, seyyathāpi gaṇakamahāmattā”ti.

“These aren’t monks. They’re wanderers.” “Nāyyā ete bhikkhū, paribbājakā”ti. And they made a bet on whether they were monks or not. “Bhikkhū na bhikkhū”ti abbhutaṁ akaṁsu.

When the monks came close, that lay follower recognized them. And he complained and criticized them, Atha kho so upāsako upagate sañjānitvā ujjhāyati khiyyati vipāceti—“How can the venerables walk about holding sunshades?” “kathañhi nāma bhadantā chattappaggahitā āhiṇḍissantī”ti. The monks heard the complaints of that lay follower Assosuṁ kho bhikkhū tassa upāsakassa ujjhāyantassa khiyyantassa vipācentassa. and they told the Buddha. Atha kho te bhikkhū bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“Is it true, monks, that the monks from the group of six are doing this?” “Saccaṁ kira, bhikkhave …pe… “It’s true, sir.” … “saccaṁ, bhagavā”ti …pe… After rebuking them … vigarahitvā …pe… the Buddha gave a teaching and addressed the monks: dhammiṁ kathaṁ katvā bhikkhū āmantesi—

“You shouldn’t use a sunshade. “na, bhikkhave, chattaṁ dhāretabbaṁ. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo dhāreyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

Soon afterwards a certain sick monk Tena kho pana samayena aññataro bhikkhu gilāno hoti. was not comfortable without a sunshade. Tassa bhikkhuno vinā chattaṁ na phāsu hoti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow sick monks to use sunshades.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, gilānassa chattaṁ dhāretun”ti.

When they heard Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū—that the Buddha had allowed sunshades for the sick, but not for the healthy, gilānasseva bhagavatā chattaṁ anuññātaṁ no agilānassāti—and being afraid of wrongdoing, the monks did not use sunshades in the monastery or in the vicinity of the monastery. ārāme ārāmūpacāre chattaṁ dhāretuṁ kukkuccāyanti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow you to use a sunshade in a monastery and in the vicinity of a monastery, even if you’re healthy.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, agilānenapi ārāme ārāmūpacāre chattaṁ dhāretun”ti.

Carrying nets and staffs, etc.

On one occasion a monk put his almsbowl in a carrying net, hung it from a staff, and passed through the gateway to a certain village at an unusual hour. Tena kho pana samayena aññataro bhikkhu sikkāya pattaṁ uṭṭitvā daṇḍe ālaggetvā vikāle aññatarena gāmadvārena atikkamati. People said, Manussā—“This must be a gangster coming with his gleaming sword.” They pounced and seized him, but when they recognized him, they let him go. “esayyo coro gacchati, asissa vijjotalatī”ti anupatitvā gahetvā sañjānitvā muñciṁsu.

He returned to the monastery and told the monks what had happened. Atha kho so bhikkhu ārāmaṁ gantvā bhikkhūnaṁ etamatthaṁ ārocesi. They said, “So you used a carrying net and a staff?” “Kiṁ pana tvaṁ, āvuso, daṇḍasikkaṁ dhāresī”ti?

“Yes.” “Evamāvuso”ti.

The monks of few desires complained and criticized him, Ye te bhikkhū appicchā …pe… te ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“How can a monk use a carrying net and a staff?” “kathañhi nāma bhikkhu daṇḍasikkaṁ dhāressasī”ti. They told the Buddha … Atha kho te bhikkhū bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ …pe… “It’s true, sir.” … “saccaṁ, bhagavā”ti …pe… After rebuking him … vigarahitvā …pe… the Buddha gave a teaching and addressed the monks: dhammiṁ kathaṁ katvā bhikkhū āmantesi—

“You shouldn’t use a carrying net and a staff. “na, bhikkhave, daṇḍasikkā dhāretabbā. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo dhāreyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

On one occasion there was a sick monk who was unable to walk about without a staff. Tena kho pana samayena aññataro bhikkhu gilāno hoti, na sakkoti vinā daṇḍena āhiṇḍituṁ. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow you to give a sick monk permission to use a staff. “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, gilānassa bhikkhuno daṇḍasammutiṁ dātuṁ. And it should be given like this. Evañca pana, bhikkhave, dātabbā. The sick monk should approach the Sangha, arrange his upper robe over one shoulder, pay respect at the feet of the senior monks, squat on his heels, raise his joined palms, and say: Tena gilānena bhikkhunā saṅghaṁ upasaṅkamitvā ekaṁsaṁ uttarāsaṅgaṁ karitvā vuḍḍhānaṁ bhikkhūnaṁ pāde vanditvā ukkuṭikaṁ nisīditvā añjaliṁ paggahetvā evamassa vacanīyo—

‘Venerables, I’m sick. ‘ahaṁ, bhante, gilāno; I’m unable to walk about without a staff. na sakkomi vinā daṇḍena āhiṇḍituṁ. I ask the Sangha for permission to use a staff.’ Sohaṁ, bhante, saṅghaṁ daṇḍasammutiṁ yācāmī’ti. And he should ask a second Dutiyampi yācitabbā. and a third time. Tatiyampi yācitabbā. A competent and capable monk should then inform the Sangha: Byattena bhikkhunā paṭibalena saṅgho ñāpetabbo—

On one occasion there was a sick monk who was unable to carry his almsbowl without a carrying net. Tena kho pana samayena aññataro bhikkhu gilāno hoti, na sakkoti vinā sikkāya pattaṁ pariharituṁ. They told the Buddha. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow you to give a sick monk permission to use a carrying net. “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, gilānassa bhikkhuno sikkāsammutiṁ dātuṁ. And it should be given like this. Evañca pana, bhikkhave, dātabbā. The sick monk should approach the Sangha, arrange his upper robe over one shoulder, pay respect at the feet of the senior monks, squat on his heels, raise his joined palms, and say: Tena gilānena bhikkhunā saṅghaṁ upasaṅkamitvā ekaṁsaṁ uttarāsaṅgaṁ karitvā vuḍḍhānaṁ bhikkhūnaṁ pāde vanditvā ukkuṭikaṁ nisīditvā añjaliṁ paggahetvā evamassa vacanīyo—

‘Venerables, I’m sick. ‘ahaṁ, bhante, gilāno; I’m unable to carry my bowl without a carrying net. na sakkomi vinā sikkāya pattaṁ pariharituṁ. I ask the Sangha for permission to use a carrying net.’ Sohaṁ, bhante, saṅghaṁ sikkāsammutiṁ yācāmī’ti. And he should ask a second Dutiyampi yācitabbā. and a third time. Tatiyampi yācitabbā. A competent and capable monk should then inform the Sangha: Byattena bhikkhunā paṭibalena saṅgho ñāpetabbo—

On one occasion there was a sick monk who was unable to walk about without a staff or to carry his almsbowl without a carrying net. Tena kho pana samayena aññataro bhikkhu gilāno hoti, na sakkoti vinā daṇḍena āhiṇḍituṁ, na sakkoti vinā sikkāya pattaṁ pariharituṁ. They told the Buddha. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow you to give a sick monk permission to use a staff and a carrying net. “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, gilānassa bhikkhuno daṇḍasikkāsammutiṁ dātuṁ. And it should be given like this. Evañca pana, bhikkhave, dātabbā. The sick monk should approach the Sangha, arrange his upper robe over one shoulder, pay respect at the feet of the senior monks, squat on his heels, raise his joined palms, and say: Tena gilānena bhikkhunā saṅghaṁ upasaṅkamitvā ekaṁsaṁ uttarāsaṅgaṁ karitvā vuḍḍhānaṁ bhikkhūnaṁ pāde vanditvā ukkuṭikaṁ nisīditvā añjaliṁ paggahetvā evamassa vacanīyo—

‘Venerables, I’m sick. ‘ahaṁ, bhante, gilāno; I’m unable to walk about without a staff na sakkomi vinā daṇḍena āhiṇḍituṁ; or to carry my bowl without a carrying net. na sakkomi vinā sikkāya pattaṁ pariharituṁ. I ask the Sangha to give me permission to use a staff and a carrying net.’ Sohaṁ, bhante, saṅghaṁ daṇḍasikkāsammutiṁ yācāmī’ti. And he should ask a second Dutiyampi yācitabbā. and a third time. Tatiyampi yācitabbā. A competent and capable monk should then inform the Sangha: Byattena bhikkhunā paṭibalena saṅgho ñāpetabbo—

At that time there was a monk who was a regurgitator. Tena kho pana samayena aññataro bhikkhu romanthako hoti. After regurgitating, he would swallow. So romanthitvā romanthitvā ajjhoharati. The monks complained and criticized him, Bhikkhū ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“This monk is eating at the wrong time.” “vikālāyaṁ bhikkhu bhojanaṁ bhuñjatī”ti. They told the Buddha. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“This monk has only recently passed away as a cow. “Eso, bhikkhave, bhikkhu aciraṅgoyoniyā cuto. I allow a regurgitator to regurgitate. Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, romanthakassa romanthanaṁ. But you shouldn’t take it out of the mouth and then swallow it. Na ca, bhikkhave, bahimukhadvāraṁ nīharitvā ajjhoharitabbaṁ. If you do, you should be dealt with according to the rule.” Yo ajjhohareyya, yathādhammo kāretabbo”ti.

Soon afterwards a certain association was offering a meal to the Sangha. Tena kho pana samayena aññatarassa pūgassa saṅghabhattaṁ hoti. Lots of rice fell on the floor in the dining hall. Bhattagge bahusitthāni pakiriyiṁsu. People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“When they’re given rice, how can the Sakyan monastics not receive it with care? Each lump of rice is the result of hard work.” “kathañhi nāma samaṇā sakyaputtiyā odane diyyamāne na sakkaccaṁ paṭiggahessanti, ekamekaṁ sitthaṁ kammasatena niṭṭhāyatī”ti. The monks heard the complaints of those people. Assosuṁ kho bhikkhū tesaṁ manussānaṁ ujjhāyantānaṁ khiyyantānaṁ vipācentānaṁ. They told the Buddha. Atha kho te bhikkhū bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow you to pick up and eat what falls down while being given. “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, yaṁ diyyamānaṁ patati, taṁ sāmaṁ gahetvā paribhuñjituṁ. It has been relinquished by the donors.” Pariccattaṁ taṁ, bhikkhave, dāyakehī”ti.

Personal grooming

On one occasion a certain monk with long nails was walking for alms. Tena kho pana samayena aññataro bhikkhu dīghehi nakhehi piṇḍāya carati. A woman who saw him said to him, Aññatarā itthī passitvā taṁ bhikkhuṁ etadavoca—“Come, venerable, and have sex.” “ehi, bhante, methunaṁ dhammaṁ paṭisevā”ti.

“It’s not allowable.” “Alaṁ, bhagini, netaṁ kappatī”ti.

“If you don’t, I’ll scratch my limbs with my nails and make a scene, “Sace kho tvaṁ, bhante, nappaṭisevissasi, idānāhaṁ attano nakhehi gattāni vilikhitvā kuppaṁ karissāmi—saying that you abused me.” ayaṁ maṁ bhikkhu vippakarotī”ti.

“That’s your business, sister.” “Pajānāhi tvaṁ, bhaginī”ti.

Yet that woman did as she had threatened. Atha kho sā itthī attano nakhehi gattāni vilikhitvā kuppaṁ akāsi—“ayaṁ maṁ bhikkhu vippakarotī”ti. People rushed up and took hold of that monk. Manussā upadhāvitvā taṁ bhikkhuṁ aggahesuṁ. But when they saw the skin and blood on that woman’s nails, Addasāsuṁ kho te manussā tassā itthiyā nakhe chavimpi lohitampi. they realized Disvāna—she had done it herself, “imissāyeva itthiyā idaṁ kammaṁ, akārako bhikkhū”ti—and they released the monk. taṁ bhikkhuṁ muñciṁsu. He then returned to the monastery and told the monks what had happened. Atha kho so bhikkhu ārāmaṁ gantvā bhikkhūnaṁ etamatthaṁ ārocesi.

“So you grow your nails long?” “Kiṁ pana tvaṁ, āvuso, dīghe nakhe dhāresī”ti?

“Yes.” “Evamāvuso”ti.

The monks of few desires complained and criticized him, Ye te bhikkhū appicchā …pe… te ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“How can a monk grow his nails long?” “kathañhi nāma bhikkhu dīghe nakhe dhāressasī”ti. They told the Buddha. Atha kho te bhikkhū bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t grow your nails long. “Na, bhikkhave, dīghā nakhā dhāretabbā. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo dhāreyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

Soon afterwards the monks were cutting their nails with their nails and teeth, or by grinding them on walls. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū nakhenapi nakhaṁ chindanti, mukhenapi nakhaṁ chindanti, kuṭṭepi ghaṁsanti. Their fingers hurt. Aṅguliyo dukkhā honti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow nail clippers.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, nakhacchedanan”ti.

They cut their nails so short that they bled. Salohitaṁ nakhaṁ chindanti. Their fingers hurt. Aṅguliyo dukkhā honti …pe…

“You should cut your nails so that they’re even with the tip of the flesh.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, maṁsappamāṇena nakhaṁ chinditun”ti.

At this time the monks from the group of six polished their finger and toe nails. Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū vīsatimaṭṭhaṁ kārāpenti. People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“They’re just like householders who indulge in worldly pleasures!” “seyyathāpi gihī kāmabhogino”ti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t polish your finger and toe nails. “Na, bhikkhave, vīsatimaṭṭhaṁ kārāpetabbaṁ. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct. Yo kārāpeyya, āpatti dukkaṭassa. But I allow you to remove dirt.” Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, malamattaṁ apakaḍḍhitun”ti.

At that time there were monks who had long hair. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhūnaṁ kesā dīghā honti. They told the Buddha. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“Are you able to shave each other’s heads?” “Ussahanti pana, bhikkhave, bhikkhū aññamaññaṁ kese oropetun”ti?

“We are.” “Ussahanti, bhagavā”ti.

The Buddha then gave a teaching Atha kho bhagavā etasmiṁ nidāne etasmiṁ pakaraṇe bhikkhusaṅghaṁ sannipātāpetvā …pe… and addressed the monks: bhikkhū āmantesi—

“I allow a razor, a whetstone, a razor case, felt, and all barber equipment.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, khuraṁ khurasilaṁ khurasipāṭikaṁ namatakaṁ sabbaṁ khurabhaṇḍan”ti.

At this time the monks from the group of six trimmed their beards, Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū massuṁ kappāpenti …pe… grew their beards long, massuṁ vaḍḍhāpenti … grew goatees, golomikaṁ kārāpenti … grew sideburns, caturassakaṁ kārāpenti … grew circle beards, parimukhaṁ kārāpenti … sculpted their chest hair, aḍḍhadukaṁ kārāpenti … grew mustaches, dāṭhikaṁ ṭhapenti … and removed the hair from their private parts. sambādhe lomaṁ saṁharāpenti. People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“They’re just like householders who indulge in worldly pleasures!” “seyyathāpi gihī kāmabhogino”ti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t trim your beards, “Na, bhikkhave, massu kappāpetabbaṁ …pe… grow your beard long, na massu vaḍḍhāpetabbaṁ … grow goatees, na golomikaṁ kārāpetabbaṁ … grow sideburns, na caturassakaṁ kārāpetabbaṁ … grow circle beards, na parimukhaṁ kārāpetabbaṁ … sculpt your chest hair, na aḍḍhadukaṁ kārāpetabbaṁ … grow mustaches, na dāṭhikā ṭhapetabbā … or remove the hair from your private parts. na sambādhe lomaṁ saṁharāpetabbaṁ. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo saṁharāpeyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

A certain monk had a sore on his private parts, Tena kho pana samayena aññatarassa bhikkhuno sambādhe vaṇo hoti. and the medicine did not stick. Bhesajjaṁ na santiṭṭhati. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow you to remove hair from the private parts if you have a disease.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, ābādhappaccayā sambādhe lomaṁ saṁharāpetun”ti.

At that time the monks from the group of six cut their hair with scissors. Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū kattarikāya kese chedāpenti. People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“They’re just like householders who indulge in worldly pleasures!” “seyyathāpi gihī kāmabhogino”ti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t cut your hair with scissors. “Na, bhikkhave, kattarikāya kesā chedāpetabbā. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo chedāpeyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

A monk who had a sore on his head was unable to shave with a razor. Tena kho pana samayena aññatarassa bhikkhuno sīse vaṇo hoti, na sakkoti khurena kese oropetuṁ. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow you to cut your hair with scissors if you have a disease.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, ābādhappaccayā kattarikāya kese chedāpetun”ti.

At this time there were monks who grew their nasal hair long. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū dīghāni nāsikālomāni dhārenti. People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“They’re just like goblins!” “seyyathāpi pisācillikā”ti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t grow your nasal hair long. “Na, bhikkhave, dīghaṁ nāsikālomaṁ dhāretabbaṁ. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo dhāreyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

The monks had their nasal hair removed with small stones and beeswax. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū sakkharikāyapi madhusitthakenapi nāsikālomaṁ gāhāpenti. Their noses hurt. Nāsikā dukkhā honti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow tweezers.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, saṇḍāsan”ti.

The monks from the group of six had their gray hairs removed. Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū palitaṁ gāhāpenti. People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“They’re just like householders who indulge in worldly pleasures!” “seyyathāpi gihī kāmabhogino”ti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t remove gray hairs. “Na, bhikkhave, palitaṁ gāhāpetabbaṁ. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo gāhāpeyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

On one occasion a monk’s ear was blocked by earwax. Tena kho pana samayena aññatarassa bhikkhuno kaṇṇagūthakehi kaṇṇā thakitā honti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow earpicks.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, kaṇṇamalaharaṇin”ti.

Soon the monks from the group of six used luxurious earpicks made with gold and silver. Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū uccāvacā kaṇṇamalaharaṇiyo dhārenti sovaṇṇamayaṁ rūpiyamayaṁ. People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“They’re just like householders who indulge in worldly pleasures!” “seyyathāpi gihī kāmabhogino”ti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t use luxurious earpicks. “Na, bhikkhave, uccāvacā kaṇṇamalaharaṇiyo dhāretabbā. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct. Yo dhāreyya, āpatti dukkaṭassāti. I allow earpicks made of bone, ivory, horn, reed, bamboo, wood, resin, fruit, metal, or shell.” Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, aṭṭhimayaṁ dantamayaṁ visāṇamayaṁ naḷamayaṁ veḷumayaṁ kaṭṭhamayaṁ jatumayaṁ phalamayaṁ lohamayaṁ saṅkhanābhimayan”ti.

More regulations on proper conduct and allowable requisites

At one time the monks from the group of six had amassed a large number of metal and bronze goods. Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū bahuṁ lohabhaṇḍaṁ kaṁsabhaṇḍaṁ sannicayaṁ karonti. When people walking about the dwellings saw this, they complained and criticized them, Manussā vihāracārikaṁ āhiṇḍantā passitvā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“How can the Sakyan monastics amass a large number of metal and bronze goods? They’re just like merchants.” “kathañhi nāma samaṇā sakyaputtiyā bahuṁ lohabhaṇḍaṁ kaṁsabhaṇḍaṁ sannicayaṁ karissanti, seyyathāpi kaṁsapattharikā”ti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t amass a large number of metal and bronze goods. “Na, bhikkhave, bahuṁ lohabhaṇḍaṁ kaṁsabhaṇḍaṁ sannicayo kātabbo. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo kareyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

Being afraid of wrongdoing, the monks did not accept ointment boxes, ointment sticks, earpicks, or even metal used for binding. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū añjanimpi añjanisalākampi kaṇṇamalaharaṇimpi bandhanamattampi kukkuccāyanti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow ointment boxes, ointment sticks, earpicks, and metal used for binding.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, añjaniṁ añjanisalākaṁ kaṇṇamalaharaṇiṁ bandhanamattan”ti.

On one occasion the monks from the group of six were sitting with their upper robes as a back-and-knee strap. Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū saṅghāṭipallatthikāya nisīdanti. The panels of the robes were torn apart. Saṅghāṭiyā pattā lujjanti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t sit with your upper robe as a back-and-knee strap. “Na, bhikkhave, saṅghāṭipallatthikāya nisīditabbaṁ. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo nisīdeyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

There was a sick monk Tena kho pana samayena aññataro bhikkhu gilāno hoti. who was not comfortable without a back-and-knee strap. Tassa vinā āyogena na phāsu hoti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow back-and-knee straps.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, āyogan”ti.

The monks thought, Atha kho bhikkhūnaṁ etadahosi—“How are the back-and-knee straps to be made?” “kathaṁ nu kho āyogo kātabbo”ti? Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow a warp, a reed, a weft, a shuttle, and all weaving equipment.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, tantakaṁ vemaṁ kavaṭaṁ salākaṁ sabbaṁ tantabhaṇḍakan”ti.

On one occasion a monk went to the village for alms without a belt. Tena kho pana samayena aññataro bhikkhu akāyabandhano gāmaṁ piṇḍāya pāvisi. His sarong fell off on the street. Tassa rathikāya antaravāsako pabhassittha. People shouted out, Manussā ukkuṭṭhimakaṁsu. and he felt humiliated. So bhikkhu maṅku ahosi. When he had returned to the monastery, he told the monks what had happened. Atha kho so bhikkhu ārāmaṁ gantvā bhikkhūnaṁ etamatthaṁ ārocesi. They in turn told the Buddha, who said: Bhikkhū bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t enter an inhabited area without a belt. “Na, bhikkhave, akāyabandhanena gāmo pavisitabbo. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct. Yo paviseyya, āpatti dukkaṭassa. I allow belts.” Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, kāyabandhanan”ti.

Soon the monks from the group of six wore luxurious belts: Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū uccāvacāni kāyabandhanāni dhārenti—belts with multiple strings, belts like the head of a water snake, belts of twisted strings of various colors, belts like ornamental ropes. kalābukaṁ, deḍḍubhakaṁ, murajaṁ, maddavīṇaṁ. People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“They’re just like householders who indulge in worldly pleasures!” “seyyathāpi gihī kāmabhogino”ti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t wear luxurious belts. “Na, bhikkhave, uccāvacāni kāyabandhanāni dhāretabbāni—kalābukaṁ, deḍḍubhakaṁ, murajaṁ, maddavīṇaṁ. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct. Yo dhāreyya, āpatti dukkaṭassa. I allow two kinds of belts: Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, dve kāyabandhanāni—belts made from strips of cloth and from pigs’ intestines.” paṭṭikaṁ, sūkarantakan”ti.

The edges of the belts wore away. Kāyabandhanassa dasā jīranti …pe…

“I allow belts of twisted strings of various colors and belts like ornamental ropes.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, murajaṁ maddavīṇan”ti.

The ends of the belts wore away. Kāyabandhanassa anto jīrati …pe…

“I allow making a loop and a knot.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, sobhaṇaṁ guṇakan”ti.

The loop at the end wore away. Kāyabandhanassa pavananto jīrati …pe…

“I allow buckles.” “anujānāmi, bhikkhave, vidhan”ti.

Soon the monks from the group of six wore luxurious buckles made with gold and silver. Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū uccāvace vidhe dhārenti sovaṇṇamayaṁ rūpiyamayaṁ. People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“They’re just like householders who indulge in worldly pleasures!” “seyyathāpi gihī kāmabhogino”ti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t wear luxurious buckles. “Na, bhikkhave, uccāvacā vidhā dhāretabbā. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct. Yo dhāreyya, āpatti dukkaṭassa. I allow buckles made of bone, ivory, horn, reed, bamboo, wood, resin, fruit, metal, Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, aṭṭhimayaṁ …pe… shell, and string.” saṅkhanābhimayaṁ suttamayan”ti.

On one occasion Venerable Ānanda robed up in light upper robes and went to the village for alms. Tena kho pana samayena āyasmā ānando lahukā saṅghāṭiyo pārupitvā gāmaṁ piṇḍāya pāvisi. A whirlwind lifted up his robes. Vātamaṇḍalikāya saṅghāṭiyo ukkhipiyiṁsu. When he had returned to the monastery, he told the monks what had happened. Atha kho āyasmā ānando ārāmaṁ gantvā bhikkhūnaṁ etamatthaṁ ārocesi. They in turn told the Buddha. Bhikkhū bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow toggles and loops.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, gaṇṭhikaṁ pāsakan”ti.

Soon the monks from the group of six wore luxurious toggles made with gold and silver. Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū uccāvacā gaṇṭhikāyo dhārenti sovaṇṇamayaṁ rūpiyamayaṁ. People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“They’re just like householders who indulge in worldly pleasures!” “seyyathāpi gihī kāmabhogino”ti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t wear luxurious toggles. “Na, bhikkhave, uccāvacā gaṇṭhikā dhāretabbā. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct. Yo dhāreyya, āpatti dukkaṭassa. I allow toggles made of bone, ivory, horn, reed, bamboo, wood, resin, fruit, metal, shell, and string.” Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, aṭṭhimayaṁ dantamayaṁ visāṇamayaṁ naḷamayaṁ veḷumayaṁ kaṭṭhamayaṁ jatumayaṁ phalamayaṁ lohamayaṁ saṅkhanābhimayaṁ suttamayan”ti.

When the monks fastened toggles and loops to their robes, Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū gaṇṭhikampi pāsakampi cīvare appenti. they caused the robes to wear. Cīvaraṁ jīrati. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow toggle shields and loop shields.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, gaṇṭhikaphalakaṁ pāsakaphalakan”ti.

They fastened the toggle shields and the loop shields on the edge of the robe. Gaṇṭhikaphalakampi pāsakaphalakampi ante appenti. The corners of the robe separated. Koṭṭo vivariyati. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“I allow you to fasten the toggle shields at the edge “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, gaṇṭhikaphalakaṁ ante appetuṁ; and the loop shields twelve or thirteen centimeters in from the edge.” pāsakaphalakaṁ sattaṅgulaṁ vā aṭṭhaṅgulaṁ vā ogāhetvā appetun”ti.

At this time the monks from the group of six wore their sarongs like householders—Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū gihinivatthaṁ nivāsenti—in the elephant-trunk style, the fish-tail style, the four-corner style, the palm-leaf style, and the hundred-fold style. hatthisoṇḍakaṁ, macchavāḷakaṁ, catukaṇṇakaṁ, tālavaṇṭakaṁ, satavalikaṁ. People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“They’re just like householders who indulge in worldly pleasures!” “seyyathāpi gihī kāmabhogino”ti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t wear your sarong like householders—“Na, bhikkhave, gihinivatthaṁ nivāsetabbaṁ—in the elephant-trunk style, the fish-tail style, the four-corner style, the palm-leaf style, or the hundred-fold style. hatthisoṇḍakaṁ, macchavāḷakaṁ, catukaṇṇakaṁ, tālavaṇṭakaṁ, satavalikaṁ. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo nivāseyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

The monks from the group of six wore their upper robes like householders. Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū gihipārutaṁ pārupanti. People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“They’re just like householders who indulge in worldly pleasures!” “seyyathāpi gihī kāmabhogino”ti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t wear your upper robe like householders. “Na, bhikkhave, gihipārutaṁ pārupitabbaṁ. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo pārupeyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

The monks from the group of six wore their sarongs like loin cloths. Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū saṁvelliyaṁ nivāsenti. People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“They’re just like the king’s porters!” “seyyathāpi rañño muṇḍavaṭṭī”ti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t wear your sarong like a loin cloth. “Na, bhikkhave, saṁvelliyaṁ nivāsetabbaṁ. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo nivāseyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

At that time the monks from the group of six used carrying poles with loads on both ends. Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū ubhatokājaṁ haranti. People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“They’re just like the king’s porters!” “seyyathāpi rañño muṇḍavaṭṭī”ti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t use a carrying pole with loads on both ends. “Na, bhikkhave, ubhatokājaṁ haritabbaṁ. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct. Yo hareyya, āpatti dukkaṭassa. I allow a carrying pole with a load on one end, a two-person carrying pole with a load in the middle, loads for the head, loads for the shoulder, loads for the hip, and hanging loads.” Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, ekatokājaṁ antarākājaṁ sīsabhāraṁ khandhabhāraṁ kaṭibhāraṁ olambakan”ti.

At that time there were monks who did not clean their teeth. Tena kho pana samayena bhikkhū dantakaṭṭhaṁ na khādanti. As a result, they had bad breath. Mukhaṁ duggandhaṁ hoti. They told the Buddha. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

I allow tooth cleaners.” Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, dantakaṭṭhan”ti.

The monks from the group of six used long tooth cleaners, which they even used to smack the novices. Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū dīghāni dantakaṭṭhāni khādanti, teheva sāmaṇeraṁ ākoṭenti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t use long tooth cleaners. “Na, bhikkhave, dīghaṁ dantakaṭṭhaṁ khāditabbaṁ. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct. Yo khādeyya, āpatti dukkaṭassa. I allow tooth cleaners that are at most thirteen centimeters long. And you shouldn’t use them to smack the novice monks. Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, aṭṭhaṅgulaparamaṁ dantakaṭṭhaṁ, na ca tena sāmaṇero ākoṭetabbo. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo ākoṭeyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

On one occasion a monk used a tooth cleaner that was too short and it got stuck in his throat. Tena kho pana samayena aññatarassa bhikkhuno atimaṭāhakaṁ dantakaṭṭhaṁ khādantassa kaṇṭhe vilaggaṁ hoti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t use tooth cleaners that are too short. “Na, bhikkhave, atimaṭāhakaṁ dantakaṭṭhaṁ khāditabbaṁ. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct. Yo khādeyya, āpatti dukkaṭassa. You shouldn’t use tooth cleaners shorter than seven centimeters.” Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, caturaṅgulapacchimaṁ dantakaṭṭhan”ti.

On one occasion the monks from the group of six set fire to a forest. Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū dāyaṁ ālimpenti. People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“They’re just like land clearers.” “seyyathāpi davaḍāhakā”ti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“You shouldn’t set fire to a forest. “Na, bhikkhave, dāyo ālimpitabbo. If you do, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.” Yo ālimpeyya, āpatti dukkaṭassā”ti.

On one occasion the dwellings were overgrown with grass. There was a forest fire and the dwellings burned down. Tena kho pana samayena vihārā tiṇagahanā honti, davaḍāhe ḍayhamāne vihārā ḍayhanti. Being afraid of wrongdoing, the monks had not lit a counterfire for protection. Bhikkhū kukkuccāyanti paṭaggiṁ dātuṁ, parittaṁ kātuṁ. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.

“When there is a forest fire, I allow you to light a counterfire for protection.” “Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, davaḍāhe ḍayhamāne paṭaggiṁ dātuṁ, parittaṁ kātun”ti.

At that time the monks from the group of six climbed trees and then jumped between them. Tena kho pana samayena chabbaggiyā bhikkhū rukkhaṁ abhiruhanti, rukkhā rukkhaṁ saṅkamanti. People complained and criticized them, Manussā ujjhāyanti khiyyanti vipācenti—“They’re just like monkeys!” “seyyathāpi makkaṭā”ti. Bhagavato etamatthaṁ ārocesuṁ.