Walking next to the path (PLI-TV-BU-VB-SK72)

Theravāda Collection on Monastic Law

The Great Analysis

The chapter on training

The subchapter on shoes

Walking next to the path

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 walking next to the path while giving teachings to people walking on the path. …

Final ruling

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

One should not give a teaching while walking next to the path to anyone walking on the path who is not sick.

If a monk, out of disrespect, gives a teaching while walking next to the path to someone walking on the path 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 twelfth training rule is finished.