Chapter 19

19.

1. Now at that time a sheath of felt 2 had come into the possession of the Samgha.

They told this matter to the Blessed One.

'I allow you, O Bhikkhus, a sheath.'

The Bhikkhus considered whether a sheath was a thing which each one might keep for himself, or a thing which ought to be handed over from time to time by one Bhikkhu to another.'

p. 117

'A sheath, O Bhikkhus, is neither to be appropriated nor to be handed over 1.'

Now at that time the Khabbaggiya Bhikkhus used to eat lying on decorated divans.

People murmured, &c saying, 'Like those still living in the pleasures of the world.'

They told this matter to the Blessed One.

'You are not, O Bhikkhus, to eat lying on decorated divans 2. Whosoever does so, shall be guilty of a dukkata.'

Now at that time a certain Bhikkhu was sick, and when eating he was not able to hold his bowl in his hand.

They told this matter to the Blessed One.

'I allow, O Bhikkhus, the use of a stand for the bowl 3.'

Now at that time the Khabbaggiya Bhikkhus used to eat out of one dish, to drink out of one vessel, and to lie on one bed, one coverlet, or one mat 4.

The people murmured, &c. . . . .

They told this matter to the Blessed One.

p. 118

'You are not, O Bhikkhus, [to do any of these things.] Whosoever does so, shall be guilty of a dukkata.'

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