Chapter 20

20.

1. Now at that time the Bhikkhus walked over the mats used for sleeping upon with unwashen or wet feet, or with their sandals on; and the matting was soiled.

They told these matters to the Blessed One.

'You are not, O Bhikkhus, to do so. Whosoever does, shall be guilty of a dukkata 4.'

2. Now at that time the Bhikkhus spat on the newly prepared floor 5, and the colour was spoilt.

p. 219

They told this matter to the Blessed One.

'You are not, O Bhikkhus, to do so. Whosoever does, shall be guilty of a dukkata. I allow, O Bhikkhus, the use of a spittoon.'

Now at that time the legs of the bedsteads and chairs made scratches on the newly prepared floor. They told this matter to the Blessed One.

'I allow you, O Bhikkhus, to cover it up with floor-cloth.'

Now at that time the Bhikkhus leant up against the newly prepared walls 1, and the colouring was spoilt.

They told this thing to the Blessed One.

'You are not, O Bhikkhus, to do so. Whosoever does, shall be guilty of a dukkata. I allow you, O Bhikkhus, the use of a board to lean up against 2.'

The board scratched the floor at the bottom, and ruined the wall at the top.

'I allow you, O Bhikkhus, to cover it at the top and bottom with cloth.'

Now at that time, fearing to offend, they would not lie down on places over which it was permissible to walk with washen feet 3.

p. 220

They told this matter to the Blessed One.

'I allow you, O Bhikkhus, to lie down in such a place when you have spread something over it.'

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