Covering with rice (PLI-TV-BU-VB-SK36)

Theravāda Collection on Monastic Law

The Great Analysis

The chapter on training

The subchapter on respectfully

Covering with rice

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 covering their curries with rice because they wanted more. …

Final ruling

“‘I will not cover my curries with rice because I want more,’ this is how you should train.”¹

One should not cover one’s curries with rice because one wants more.

If a monk, out of disrespect, covers his curries with rice because he wants more, 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 the owners cover it and then give;

if it is not out of a desire for more;

if there is an emergency;

if he is insane;

if he is the first offender.

The sixth training rule is finished.