Chapter 12
12.
1. Now the Blessed One, when he had stayed at Râgagaha as long as he thought fit, set out on his journey toward Vesâlî 3.
Now at that time the Bhikkhus went along, carrying their needles and scissors and drugs in their bowls.
They told this matter to the Blessed One.
'I allow you, O Bhikkhus, the use of a bag to carry the drugs in 4.'
They had no shoulder-strap.
'I allow you, O Bhikkhus, the use of a shoulder-strap 1, or of a string to tie the bags on with.'
Now at that time a certain Bhikkhu tied his sandals on to his girdle, and then entered the village for alms 2. A certain Upâsaka, when saluting that Bhikkhu, knocked up against the sandals with his head. The Bhikkhu was annoyed; and when he had returned to the Ârâma, he told this matter to the Bhikkhus. They told this matter to the Blessed One.
'I allow you, O Bhikkhus, the use of a bag to carry your sandals in,'
They had no shoulder-strap.
'I allow you, O Bhikkhus, the use of a shoulder-strap, or of a string to tie the bags on with.'