Holding a knife (PLI-TV-BU-VB-SK59)

Theravāda Collection on Monastic Law

The Great Analysis

The chapter on training

The subchapter on slurping

Holding a knife

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 gave teachings to people holding knives. …

Final ruling

“‘I will not give a teaching to anyone holding a knife who is not sick,’ this is how you should train.”

Definitions

A knife:

a weapon with a single-edged or double-edged blade.¹

One should not give a teaching to anyone holding a knife who is not sick.

If a monk, out of disrespect, gives a teaching to someone holding a knife who is not sick, 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 ninth training rule is finished.