Licking the hand (PLI-TV-BU-VB-SK52)

Theravāda Collection on Monastic Law

The Great Analysis

The chapter on training

The subchapter on slurping

Licking the hand

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 licking their hands while eating. …

Final ruling

“‘I will not lick my hand while eating,’ this is how you should train.”

One should not lick one’s hand while eating.

If a monk, out of disrespect, licks his hand while eating, 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 second training rule is finished.