Sitting on the ground (PLI-TV-BU-VB-SK68)

Theravāda Collection on Monastic Law

The Great Analysis

The chapter on training

The subchapter on shoes

Sitting on the ground

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 sitting on the ground giving teachings to people sitting on seats. …

Final ruling

“‘I will not give a teaching while sitting on the ground to anyone sitting on a seat who is not sick,’ this is how you should train.”

One should not give a teaching while sitting on the ground to anyone sitting on a seat who is not sick.

If a monk, out of disrespect, gives a teaching while sitting on the ground to someone sitting on a seat 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 eighth training rule is finished.