Theravāda Collection on Monastic Law

The Great Analysis

The chapter on training

The subchapter on respectfully

38. The training rule on finding fault

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 looking at the bowls of others finding fault. …

Final ruling

“‘I will not look at another’s almsbowl finding fault,’ this is how you should train.”

One should not look at the bowl of another finding fault.

If a monk, out of disrespect, looks at the bowl of another finding fault, 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 looks with the intention of giving or having someone give;

if he is not finding fault;

if there is an emergency;

if he is insane;

if he is the first offender.

The eighth training rule is finished.