Walking behind (PLI-TV-BU-VB-SK71)

Theravāda Collection on Monastic Law

The Great Analysis

The chapter on training

The subchapter on shoes

Walking behind

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 giving teachings to people walking in front of them. …

Final ruling

“‘I will not give a teaching to anyone walking in front of me who is not sick,’ this is how you should train.”

One should not give a teaching to anyone walking in front of oneself who is not sick.

If a monk, out of disrespect, gives a teaching to someone walking in front of him 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 eleventh training rule is finished.