Theravāda Collection on Monastic Law

The Great Analysis

The chapter on training

The subchapter on shoes

64. The training rule on lying down

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 gave teachings to people who were lying down. …

Final ruling

“‘I will not give a teaching to anyone lying down who is not sick,’ this is how you should train.”

One should not give a teaching to anyone lying down who is not sick.

If a monk, out of disrespect, gives a teaching to someone who is lying down and who is not sick, even if they are just lying on the ground, 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 fourth training rule is finished.