Licking the almsbowl (PLI-TV-BU-VB-SK53)

Theravāda Collection on Monastic Law

The Great Analysis

The chapter on training

The subchapter on slurping

Licking the almsbowl

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 bowls while eating. …

Final ruling

“‘I will not lick my almsbowl while eating,’ this is how you should train.”¹

One should not lick one’s bowl while eating.

If a monk, out of disrespect, licks his bowl 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 only a little food remains and he eats it after collecting it in one place and then licking it;

if there is an emergency;

if he is insane;

if he is the first offender.

The third training rule is finished.