Clasping the knees (PLI-TV-BU-VB-SK65)

Theravāda Collection on Monastic Law

The Great Analysis

The chapter on training

The subchapter on shoes

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 gave teachings to people who were seated clasping their knees. …

Final ruling

“‘I will not give a teaching to anyone who is seated clasping their knees and who is not sick,’ this is how you should train.”

One should not give a teaching to anyone who is seated clasping their knees and who is not sick.

If a monk, out of disrespect, gives a teaching to someone who is clasping their knees with their hands or with a cloth and 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 fifth training rule is finished.