Theravāda Collection on Monastic Law

The Great Analysis

The chapter on training

The subchapter on respectfully

39. The training rule on mouthfuls

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 making large mouthfuls. …

Final ruling

“‘I will not make mouthfuls that are too large,’ this is how you should train.”

One should not make mouthfuls that are too large.

If a monk, out of disrespect, makes a large mouthful, 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 it is a fresh food;

if it is any kind of fruit;

if it is a non-bean curry;

if there is an emergency;

if he is insane;

if he is the first offender.

The ninth training rule is finished.