Squatting on the heels (PLI-TV-BU-VB-SK25)

Theravāda Collection on Monastic Law

The Great Analysis

The chapter on training

The subchapter on hands on hips

Squatting on the heels

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 moving about while squatting on their heels in inhabited areas. …

Final ruling

“‘I will not move about while squatting on my heels in inhabited areas,’ this is how you should train.”¹

One should not move about while squatting on one’s heels in an inhabited area.

If a monk, out of disrespect, moves about while squatting on his heels in an inhabited area, 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 fifth training rule is finished.