Theravāda Collection on Monastic Law

The Great Analysis

The chapter on training

The subchapter on slurping

52. The training rule on licking the hands

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 licking their hands while eating. …

Final ruling

“‘I will not lick my hands while eating,’ this is how you should train.”

One should not lick one’s hands while eating.

If a monk, out of disrespect, licks his hands while eating, 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 second training rule is finished.