Clasping the knees (PLI-TV-BU-VB-SK26)

Theravāda Collection on Monastic Law

The Great Analysis

The chapter on training

The subchapter on hands on hips

Clasping the knees

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 clasping their knees while sitting in inhabited areas. …

Final ruling

“‘I will not clasp my knees while sitting in inhabited areas,’ this is how you should train.”

One should not clasp one’s knees while sitting in an inhabited area.

If a monk, out of disrespect, clasps his knees with his hands or with a cloth while sitting 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 he has entered his dwelling;

if there is an emergency;

if he is insane;

if he is the first offender.

The sixth training rule is finished.