Theravāda Collection on Monastic Law

The Great Analysis

The chapter on training

The subchapter on hands on hips

28. The training rule on receiving with attention on the almsbowl

Origin story

At one time the Buddha was staying at Sāvatthī in the Jeta Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s Monastery.

At that time the monks from the group of six were receiving almsfood while looking here and there, and they did not know whether people were still giving or whether they had received too much. …

Final ruling

“‘I will receive almsfood with attention on the almsbowl,’ this is how you should train.”

Almsfood is to be received with attention on the bowl.

If a monk, out of disrespect, receives almsfood while looking here and there, he commits an offense of wrong conduct.

Non-offenses

There is no offense:

if it is unintentional;

if he is not mindful;

if he does not know;

if he is sick;

if there is an emergency;

if he is insane;

if he is the first offender.

The eighth training rule is finished.