The chapter on proper conduct (PLI-TV-KD18)

Meals and almsround

Having gotten up at the appropriate time, the student should remove his sandals and arrange his upper robe over one shoulder. He should then give his preceptor a tooth cleaner and water for rinsing the mouth, and he should prepare a seat for him.

If there’s congee, he should rinse a vessel and bring the congee to his preceptor.

When he has drunk the congee, the student should give him water and receive the vessel. Holding it low, he should wash it carefully without scratching it and then put it away.

When the preceptor has gotten up, the student should put away the seat.

If the place is dirty, he should sweep it.

If the preceptor wants to enter the village, the student should give him a sarong and receive the one he’s wearing in return. He should give him a belt. He should put the upper robes together, overlapping each other edge-to-edge, and then give them to him. He should rinse his preceptor’s bowl and give it to him while wet.

If the preceptor wants an attendant, the student should put on his sarong evenly all around, covering the navel and the knees. He should put on a belt. Putting the upper robes together, overlapping each other edge-to-edge, he should put them on and fasten the toggle. He should rinse his bowl, bring it along, and be his preceptor’s attendant.

He shouldn’t walk too far behind his preceptor or too close to him. He should receive the contents of his bowl.

He shouldn’t interrupt his preceptor when he’s speaking.

But if the preceptor’s speech is bordering on an offense, he should stop him.

When returning, the student should go first to prepare a seat and to set out a foot stool, a foot scraper, and water for washing the feet. He should go out to meet the preceptor and receive his bowl and robe. He should give him a sarong and receive the one he’s wearing in return.

If the robe is damp, he should sun it for a short while, but shouldn’t leave it in the heat.

He should fold the robe,

offsetting the edges by seven centimeters,¹¹⁰

so that the fold doesn’t become worn.

He should place the belt in the fold.

If there’s almsfood and his preceptor wants to eat, the student should give him water and then the almsfood.

He should ask his preceptor if he wants water to drink.

When the preceptor has eaten, the student should give him water and receive his bowl. Holding it low, he should wash it carefully without scratching it. He should then dry it and sun it for a short while,

but shouldn’t leave it in the heat.

The student should put away the robe and bowl.

When putting away the bowl, he should hold the bowl in one hand, feel under the bed or the bench with the other, and then put it away.

He shouldn’t put the bowl away on the bare floor.

When putting away the robe, he should hold the robe in one hand, wipe the bamboo robe rack or the clothesline with the other, and then put it away by folding the robe over it, making the ends face the wall and the fold face out.

When the preceptor has gotten up, the student should put away the seat and also the foot stool, the foot scraper, and the water for washing the feet.

If the place is dirty, he should sweep it.”

Bathing

“If the preceptor wants to bathe, the student should prepare a bath.

If he wants a cold bath, he should prepare that;

if he wants a hot bath, he should prepare that.

If the preceptor wants to take a sauna, the student should knead bath powder, moisten the clay, take a sauna bench, and follow behind his preceptor. After giving his preceptor the sauna bench, receiving his robe, and putting it aside, he should give him the bath powder and the clay.

If he’s able, he should enter the sauna.

When entering the sauna, he should smear his face with clay, cover himself front and back, and then enter.

He shouldn’t sit encroaching on the senior monks,

or block the junior monks from getting a seat.

While in the sauna, he should provide assistance to his preceptor.

When leaving the sauna, he should take the sauna bench, cover himself front and back, and then leave.

He should also provide assistance to his preceptor in the water.

When he has bathed, he should be the first to come out. He should dry himself and put on his sarong. He should then wipe the water off his preceptor’s body, and he should give him his sarong and then his upper robe. Taking the sauna bench, he should be the first to return. He should prepare a seat, and also set out a foot stool, a foot scraper, and water for washing the feet.

He should ask his preceptor if he wants water to drink.

If the preceptor wants him to recite, he should do so.

If the preceptor wants to question him, he should be questioned.”

The dwelling

“If the dwelling where the preceptor is staying is dirty, the student should clean it if he’s able.

When he’s cleaning the dwelling, he should first take out the bowl and robe and put them aside.

He should take out the sitting mat and the sheet and put them aside.

He should take out the mattress and the pillow and put them aside.

Holding the bed low, he should carefully take it out without scratching it or knocking it against the door or the door frame, and he should put it aside.

Holding the bench low, he should carefully take it out without scratching it or knocking it against the door or the door frame, and he should put it aside.

He should take out the bed supports and put them aside.

He should take out the spittoon and put it aside.

He should take out the leaning board and put it aside.

After taking note of its position, he should take out the floor cover and put it aside.

If the dwelling has cobwebs, he should first remove them from the ceiling cloth, and he should then wipe the windows and the corners of the room.

If the walls have been treated with red ocher and they’re moldy, he should moisten a cloth, wring it out, and wipe the walls.

If the floor has been treated with a black finish and it’s moldy, he should moisten a cloth, wring it out, and wipe the floor.

If the floor is untreated, he should sprinkle it with water and then sweep it,

trying to avoid stirring up dust.

He should look out for any trash and discard it.

He should sun the floor cover, clean it, beat it, bring it back inside, and put it back as before.

He should sun the bed supports, wipe them, bring them back inside, and put them back where they were.

He should sun the bed, clean it, and beat it. Holding it low, he should carefully bring it back inside without scratching it or knocking it against the door or the door frame, and he should put it back as before.

He should sun the bench, clean it, and beat it. Holding it low, he should carefully bring it back inside without scratching it or knocking it against the door or the door frame, and he should put it back as before.

He should sun the mattress and the pillow, clean them, beat them, bring them back inside, and put them back as before.

He should sun the sitting mat and the sheet, clean them, beat them, bring them back inside, and put them back as before.

He should sun the spittoon, wipe it, bring it back inside, and put it back where it was.

He should sun the leaning board, wipe it, bring it back inside, and put it back where it was.

He should put away the bowl and robe.

When putting away the bowl, he should hold the bowl in one hand, feel under the bed or the bench with the other, and then put it away.

He shouldn’t put the bowl away on the bare floor.

When putting away the robe, he should hold the robe in one hand, wipe the bamboo robe rack or the clothesline with the other, and then put it away by folding the robe over it, making the ends face the wall and the fold face out.

If dusty winds are blowing from the east, he should close the windows on the eastern side.

If dusty winds are blowing from the west, he should close the windows on the western side.

If dusty winds are blowing from the north, he should close the windows on the northern side.

If dusty winds are blowing from the south, he should close the windows on the southern side.

If the weather is cold, he should open the windows during the day and close them at night.

If the weather is hot, he should close the windows during the day and open them at night.

If the yard is dirty, he should sweep it.

If the gatehouse is dirty, he should sweep it.

If the assembly hall is dirty, he should sweep it.

If the water-boiling shed is dirty, he should sweep it.

If the restroom is dirty, he should sweep it.

If there’s no water for drinking, he should get some.

If there’s no water for washing, he should get some.

If there’s no water in the restroom ablutions pot, he should fill it.”

Spiritual support, etc.

“If the preceptor becomes discontent with the spiritual life, the student should send him away or have him sent away, or he should give him a teaching.

If the preceptor becomes anxious, the student should dispel it or have it dispelled, or he should give him a teaching.

If the preceptor has wrong view, the student should make him give it up or have someone else do it, or he should give him a teaching.

If the preceptor has committed a heavy offense and deserves probation,

the student should try to get the Sangha to give it to him.

If the preceptor has committed a heavy offense and deserves to be sent back to the beginning,

the student should try to get the Sangha to do it.

If the preceptor has committed a heavy offense and deserves the trial period,

the student should try to get the Sangha to give it to him.

If the preceptor has committed a heavy offense and deserves rehabilitation,

the student should try to get the Sangha to give it to him.

If the Sangha wants to do a legal procedure against his preceptor—whether a procedure of censure, demotion, banishment, reconciliation, or ejection—¹¹¹

the student should make an effort to stop it or to reduce the penalty.

But if the Sangha has already done a legal procedure against his preceptor—whether a procedure of censure, demotion, banishment, reconciliation, or ejection—

the student should help the preceptor conduct himself properly and suitably so as to deserve to be released, and try to get the Sangha to lift that procedure.¹¹²

If the preceptor’s robe needs washing, the student should do it himself,

or he should make an effort to get it done.

If the preceptor needs a robe, the student should make one himself,

or he should make an effort to get one made.

If the preceptor needs dye, the student should make it himself,

or he should make an effort to get it made.

If the preceptor’s robe needs dyeing, the student should do it himself,

or he should make an effort to get it done.

When he’s dyeing the robe, he should carefully and repeatedly turn it over, and shouldn’t go away while it’s still dripping.

Without asking his preceptor for permission, he shouldn’t do any of the following: give away or receive a bowl;

give away or receive a robe;

give away or receive a requisite;

cut anyone’s hair or get it cut;

provide assistance to anyone or have assistance provided by anyone;

do a service for anyone or get a service done by anyone;

be the attendant monk for anyone or take anyone as his attendant monk;

bring back almsfood for anyone or get almsfood brought back by anyone;

enter the village,

go to the charnel ground,

or leave for another region.

If his preceptor is sick, he should nurse him for as long as he lives or wait until he has recovered.

This is the proper conduct of a student toward his preceptor.”

12. Discussion of the proper conduct toward a student

At that time the preceptors were not conducting themselves properly toward their students.

The monks of few desires complained and criticized them,

“How can the preceptors not conduct themselves properly toward their students?”

They told the Buddha. Soon afterwards he had the Sangha gathered and questioned the monks:

“Is it true, monks, that the preceptors are not conducting themselves properly toward their students?”

“It’s true, sir.” …

After rebuking them …

the Buddha gave a teaching and addressed the monks:

“Well then, I’ll lay down the proper conduct for preceptors toward their students.

A preceptor should conduct himself properly toward his student.

This is the proper conduct:

A preceptor should help and take care of his student through recitation, questioning, and instruction.

If the preceptor has a bowl, but not the student, the preceptor should give it to him,¹¹³

or he should make an effort to get him one.

If the preceptor has a robe, but not the student, the preceptor should give it to him,

or he should make an effort to get him one.

If the preceptor has a requisite, but not the student, the preceptor should give it to him,

or he should make an effort to get him one.”

Meals and almsround

“If the student is sick, the preceptor should get up at the appropriate time and give his student a tooth cleaner and water for rinsing the mouth, and he should prepare a seat for him.

If there’s congee, he should rinse a vessel and bring the congee to his student.

When he has drunk the congee, the preceptor should give him water and receive the vessel. Holding it low, he should wash it carefully without scratching it and then put it away.

When the student has gotten up, the preceptor should put away the seat.

If the place is dirty, he should sweep it.

If the student wants to enter the village, the preceptor should give him a sarong and receive the one he’s wearing in return. He should give him a belt. He should put the upper robes together, overlapping each other edge-to-edge, and then give them to him. He should rinse his student’s bowl and give it to him while wet.

Before he’s due back, the preceptor should prepare a seat and set out a foot stool, a foot scraper, and water for washing the feet. He should go out to meet the student and receive his bowl and robe. He should give him a sarong and receive the one he’s wearing in return.

If the robe is damp, he should sun it for a short while, but shouldn’t leave it in the heat.

He should fold the robe,

offsetting the edges by seven centimeters,¹¹⁴

so that the fold doesn’t become worn.

He should place the belt in the fold.

If there’s almsfood and his student wants to eat, the preceptor should give him water and then the almsfood.

He should ask his student if he wants water to drink.

When the student has eaten, the preceptor should give him water and receive his bowl. Holding it low, he should wash it carefully without scratching it. He should then dry it and sun it for a short while, but shouldn’t leave it in the heat.

The preceptor should put away the robe and bowl.

When putting away the bowl, he should hold the bowl in one hand, feel under the bed or the bench with the other, and then put it away.

He shouldn’t put the bowl away on the bare floor.

When putting away the robe, he should hold the robe in one hand, wipe the bamboo robe rack or the clothesline with the other, and then put it away by folding the robe over it, making the ends face the wall and the fold face out.

When the student has gotten up, the preceptor should put away the seat and also the foot stool, the foot scraper, and the water for washing the feet.

If the place is dirty, he should sweep it.”

Bathing

“If the student wants to bathe, the preceptor should prepare a bath.

If he wants a cold bath, he should prepare that;

if he wants a hot bath, he should prepare that.

If the student wants to take a sauna, the preceptor should knead bath powder, moisten the clay, take a sauna bench, and go to the sauna. After giving his student the sauna bench, receiving his robe, and putting it aside, he should give him the bath powder and the clay.

If he’s able, he should enter the sauna.

When entering the sauna, he should smear his face with clay, cover himself front and back, and then enter.

He shouldn’t sit encroaching on the senior monks, or block the junior monks from getting a seat.

While in the sauna, he should provide assistance to his student.

When leaving the sauna, he should take the sauna bench, cover himself front and back, and then leave.

The preceptor should also provide assistance to his student in the water.

When the preceptor has bathed, he should be the first to come out. He should dry himself and put on his sarong. He should then wipe the water off his student’s body, and he should give him his sarong and then his upper robe. Taking the sauna bench, he should be the first to return. He should prepare a seat, and also set out a foot stool, a foot scraper, and water for washing the feet.

He should ask his student if he wants water to drink.”

The dwelling

“If the dwelling where the student is staying is dirty, the preceptor should clean it if he’s able.

When he’s cleaning the dwelling, he should first take out the bowl and robe and put them aside. He should take out the sitting mat and the sheet and put them aside. He should take out the mattress and the pillow and put them aside. Holding the bed low, he should carefully take it out without scratching it or knocking it against the door or the door frame, and he should put it aside. Holding the bench low, he should carefully take it out without scratching it or knocking it against the door or the door frame, and he should put it aside. He should take out the bed supports and put them aside. He should take out the spittoon and put it aside. He should take out the leaning board and put it aside. After taking note of its position, he should take out the floor cover and put it aside. If the dwelling has cobwebs, he should first remove them from the ceiling cloth, and he should then wipe the windows and the corners of the room. If the walls have been treated with red ocher and they’re moldy, he should moisten a cloth, wring it out, and wipe the walls. If the floor has been treated with a black finish and it’s moldy, he should moisten a cloth, wring it out, and wipe the floor. If the floor is untreated, he should sprinkle it with water and then sweep it, trying to avoid stirring up dust. He should look out for any trash and discard it.

He should sun the floor cover, clean it, beat it, bring it back inside, and put it back as before. He should sun the bed supports, wipe them, bring them back inside, and put them back where they were. He should sun the bed, clean it, and beat it. Holding it low, he should carefully bring it back inside without scratching it or knocking it against the door or the door frame, and he should put it back as before. He should sun the bench, clean it, and beat it. Holding it low, he should carefully bring it back inside without scratching it or knocking it against the door or the door frame, and he should put it back as before. He should sun the mattress and the pillow, clean them, beat them, bring them back inside, and put them back the way they were. He should sun the sitting mat and the sheet, clean them, beat them, bring them back inside, and put them back the way they were. He should sun the spittoon, wipe it, bring it back inside, and put it back where it was. He should sun the leaning board, wipe it, bring it back inside, and put it back where it was. He should put away the bowl and robe. When putting away the bowl, he should hold the bowl in one hand, feel under the bed or the bench with the other, and then put it away. He shouldn’t put the bowl away on the bare floor. When putting away the robe, he should hold the robe in one hand, wipe the bamboo robe rack or the clothesline with the other, and then put it away by folding the robe over it, making the ends face the wall and the fold face out.

If dusty winds are blowing from the east, he should close the windows on the eastern side. If dusty winds are blowing from the west, he should close the windows on the western side. If dusty winds are blowing from the north, he should close the windows on the northern side. If dusty winds are blowing from the south, he should close the windows on the southern side. If the weather is cold, he should open the windows during the day and close them at night. If the weather is hot, he should close the windows during the day and open them at night.

If the yard is dirty, he should sweep it. If the gatehouse is dirty, he should sweep it. If the assembly hall is dirty, he should sweep it. If the water-boiling shed is dirty, he should sweep it. If the restroom is dirty, he should sweep it. If there’s no water for drinking, he should get some. If there’s no water for washing, he should get some.

If there’s no water in the restroom ablutions pot, he should fill it.”

Spiritual support, etc.

“If the student becomes discontent with the spiritual life, the preceptor should send him away or have him sent away, or he should give him a teaching.

If the student becomes anxious, the preceptor should dispel it or have it dispelled, or he should give him a teaching.

If the student has wrong view, the preceptor should make him give it up or have someone else do it, or he should give him a teaching.

If the student has committed a heavy offense and deserves probation,

the preceptor should try to get the Sangha to give it to him.

If the student has committed a heavy offense and deserves to be sent back to the beginning,

the preceptor should try to get the Sangha to do it.

If the student has committed a heavy offense and deserves the trial period,

the preceptor should try to get the Sangha to give it to him.

If the student has committed a heavy offense and deserves rehabilitation,

the preceptor should try to get the Sangha to give it to him.

If the Sangha wants to do a legal procedure against his student—whether a procedure of censure, demotion, banishment, reconciliation, or ejection—

the preceptor should make an effort to stop it or to reduce the penalty.

But if the Sangha has already done a legal procedure against his student—whether a procedure of censure, demotion, banishment, reconciliation, or ejection—

the preceptor should help the student conduct himself properly and suitably so as to deserve to be released, and try to get the Sangha to lift that procedure.

If the student’s robe needs washing, the preceptor should show him how to do it,

or he should make an effort to get it done.

If the student needs a robe, the preceptor should show him how to make one,

or he should make an effort to get one made.

If the student needs dye, the preceptor should show him how to make it,

or he should make an effort to get it made.

If the student’s robe needs dyeing, the preceptor should show him how to do it,

or he should make an effort to get it done.

When he’s dyeing the robe, he should carefully and repeatedly turn it over, and shouldn’t go away while it’s still dripping.

If his student is sick, he should nurse him for as long as he lives or wait until he has recovered.

This is the proper conduct of a preceptor toward his student.”

The second section for recitation is finished.

13. Discussion of the proper conduct toward a teacher

At that time the pupils were not conducting themselves properly toward their teachers.

The monks of few desires complained and criticized them,

“How can the pupils not conduct themselves properly toward their teachers?”

They told the Buddha. …

“Is it true, monks, that the pupils are not conducting themselves properly toward their teachers?”

“It’s true, sir.” …

After rebuking them …

the Buddha gave a teaching and addressed the monks:

“Well then, I’ll lay down the proper conduct for a pupil toward his teacher.

A pupil should conduct himself properly toward his teacher.

This is the proper conduct:

Meals and almsround

Having gotten up at the appropriate time, the pupil should remove his sandals, and arrange his upper robe over one shoulder. He should then give his teacher a tooth cleaner and water for rinsing the mouth, and he should prepare a seat for him.

If there’s congee, he should rinse a vessel and bring the congee to his teacher.

When he has drunk the congee, the pupil should give him water and receive the vessel. Holding it low, he should wash it carefully without scratching it and then put it away.

When the teacher has gotten up, the pupil should put away the seat.

If the place is dirty, he should sweep it.

If the teacher wants to enter the village, the pupil should give him a sarong and receive the one he’s wearing in return. He should give him a belt. He should put the upper robes together, overlapping each other edge-to-edge, and then give them to him. He should rinse his teacher’s bowl and give it to him while wet.

If the teacher wants an attendant, the pupil should put on his sarong evenly all around, covering the navel and the knees. He should put on a belt. Putting the upper robes together, overlapping each other edge-to-edge, he should put them on and fasten the toggle. He should rinse his bowl, bring it along, and be his teacher’s attendant.

He shouldn’t walk too far behind his teacher or too close to him. He should receive the contents of his bowl.

He shouldn’t interrupt his teacher when he’s speaking.

But if the teacher’s speech is bordering on an offense, he should stop him.

When returning, the pupil should go first to prepare a seat and to set out a foot stool, a foot scraper, and water for washing the feet. He should go out to meet the teacher and receive his bowl and robe. He should give him a sarong and receive the one he’s wearing in return.

If the robe is damp, he should sun it for a short while, but shouldn’t leave it in the heat.

He should fold the robe,

offsetting the edges by seven centimeters,¹¹⁵

so that the fold doesn’t become worn.

He should place the belt in the fold.

If there’s almsfood and his teacher wants to eat, the pupil should give him water and then the almsfood.

He should ask his teacher if he wants water to drink.

When the teacher has eaten, the pupil should give him water and receive his bowl. Holding it low, he should wash it carefully without scratching it. He should then dry it and sun it for a short while, but shouldn’t leave it in the heat.

The pupil should put away the robe and bowl.

When putting away the bowl, he should hold the bowl in one hand, feel under the bed or the bench with the other, and then put it away.

He shouldn’t put the bowl away on the bare floor.

When putting away the robe, he should hold the robe in one hand, wipe the bamboo robe rack or the clothesline with the other, and then put it away by folding the robe over it, making the ends face the wall and the fold face out.

When the teacher has gotten up, the pupil should put away the seat and also the foot stool, the foot scraper, and the water for washing the feet.

If the place is dirty, he should sweep it.”

Bathing

“If the teacher wants to bathe, the pupil should prepare a bath.

If he wants a cold bath, he should prepare that;

if he wants a hot bath, he should prepare that.

If the teacher wants to take a sauna, the pupil should knead bath powder, moisten the clay, take a sauna bench, and follow behind his teacher. After giving his teacher the sauna bench, receiving his robe, and putting it aside, he should give him the bath powder and the clay.

If he’s able, he should enter the sauna.

When entering the sauna, he should smear his face with clay, cover himself front and back, and then enter.

He shouldn’t sit encroaching on the senior monks,

or block the junior monks from getting a seat.

While in the sauna, he should provide assistance to his teacher.

When leaving the sauna, he should take the sauna bench, cover himself front and back, and then leave.

He should also provide assistance to his teacher in the water.

When he has bathed, he should be the first to come out. He should dry himself and put on his sarong. He should then wipe the water off his teacher’s body, and he should give him his sarong and then his upper robe. Taking the sauna bench, he should be the first to return. He should prepare a seat, and also set out a foot stool, a foot scraper, and water for washing the feet.

He should ask his teacher if he wants water to drink.

If the teacher wants him to recite, he should do so.

If the teacher wants to question him, he should be questioned.”

The dwelling

“If the dwelling where the teacher is staying is dirty, the pupil should clean it if he’s able.

When he’s cleaning the dwelling, he should first take out the bowl and robe and put them aside.

He should take out the sitting mat and the sheet and put them aside.

He should take out the mattress and the pillow and put them aside.

Holding the bed low, he should carefully take it out without scratching it or knocking it against the door or the door frame, and he should put it aside.

Holding the bench low, he should carefully take it out without scratching it or knocking it against the door or the door frame, and he should put it aside.

He should take out the bed supports and put them aside.

He should take out the spittoon and put it aside.

He should take out the leaning board and put it aside.

After taking note of its position, he should take out the floor cover and put it aside.

If the dwelling has cobwebs, he should first remove them from the ceiling cloth, and he should then wipe the windows and the corners of the room.

If the walls have been treated with red ocher and they’re moldy, he should moisten a cloth, wring it out, and wipe the walls.

If the floor has been treated with a black finish and it’s moldy, he should moisten a cloth, wring it out, and wipe the floor.

If the floor is untreated, he should sprinkle it with water and then sweep it,

trying to avoid stirring up dust.

He should look out for any trash and discard it.

He should sun the floor cover, clean it, beat it, bring it back inside, and put it back as before.

He should sun the bed supports, wipe them, bring them back inside, and put them back where they were.

He should sun the bed, clean it, and beat it. Holding it low, he should carefully bring it back inside without scratching it or knocking it against the door or the door frame, and he should put it back as before.

He should sun the bench, clean it, and beat it. Holding it low, he should carefully bring it back inside without scratching it or knocking it against the door or the door frame, and he should put it back as before.

He should sun the mattress and the pillow, clean them, beat them, bring them back inside, and put them back as before.

He should sun the sitting mat and the sheet, clean them, beat them, bring them back inside, and put them back as before.

He should sun the spittoon, wipe it, bring it back inside, and put it back where it was.

He should sun the leaning board, wipe it, bring it back inside, and put it back where it was.

He should put away the bowl and robe.

When putting away the bowl, he should hold the bowl in one hand, feel under the bed or the bench with the other, and then put it away.

He shouldn’t put the bowl away on the bare floor.

When putting away the robe, he should hold the robe in one hand, wipe the bamboo robe rack or the clothesline with the other, and then put it away by folding the robe over it, making the ends face the wall and the fold face out.

If dusty winds are blowing from the east, he should close the windows on the eastern side.

If dusty winds are blowing from the west, he should close the windows on the western side.

If dusty winds are blowing from the north, he should close the windows on the northern side.

If dusty winds are blowing from the south, he should close the windows on the southern side.

If the weather is cold, he should open the windows during the day and close them at night.

If the weather is hot, he should close the windows during the day and open them at night.

If the yard is dirty, he should sweep it.

If the gatehouse is dirty, he should sweep it.

If the assembly hall is dirty, he should sweep it.

If the water-boiling shed is dirty, he should sweep it.

If the restroom is dirty, he should sweep it.

If there’s no water for drinking, he should get some.

If there’s no water for washing, he should get some.

If there’s no water in the restroom ablutions pot, he should fill it.”

Spiritual support, etc.

“If the teacher becomes discontent with the spiritual life, the pupil should send him away or have him sent away, or he should give him a teaching.

If the teacher becomes anxious, the pupil should dispel it or have it dispelled, or he should give him a teaching.

If the teacher has wrong view, the pupil should make him give it up or have someone else do it, or he should give him a teaching.

If the teacher has committed a heavy offense and deserves probation,

the pupil should try to get the Sangha to give it to him.

If the teacher has committed a heavy offense and deserves to be sent back to the beginning,

the pupil should try to get the Sangha to do it.

If the teacher has committed a heavy offense and deserves the trial period,

the pupil should try to get the Sangha to give it to him.

If the teacher has committed a heavy offense and deserves rehabilitation,

the pupil should try to get the Sangha to give it to him.

If the Sangha wants to do a legal procedure against his teacher—whether a procedure of censure, demotion, banishment, reconciliation, or ejection—

the pupil should make an effort to stop it or to reduce the penalty.

But if the Sangha has already done a legal procedure against his teacher—whether a procedure of censure, demotion, banishment, reconciliation, or ejection—

the pupil should help the teacher conduct himself properly and suitably so as to deserve to be released, and try to get the Sangha to lift that procedure.

If the teacher’s robe needs washing, the pupil should do it himself,

or he should make an effort to get it done.

If the teacher needs a robe, the pupil should make one himself,

or he should make an effort to get one made.

If the teacher needs dye, the pupil should make it himself,

or he should make an effort to get it made.

If the teacher’s robe needs dyeing, the pupil should do it himself,

or he should make an effort to get it done.

When he’s dyeing the robe, he should carefully and repeatedly turn it over, and shouldn’t go away while it’s still dripping.

Without asking his teacher for permission, he shouldn’t do any of the following: give away or receive a bowl;

give away or receive a robe;

give away or receive a requisite;

cut anyone’s hair or get it cut;

provide assistance to anyone or have assistance provided by anyone;

do a service for anyone or get a service done by anyone;

be the attendant monk for anyone or take anyone as his attendant monk;

bring back almsfood for anyone or get almsfood brought back by anyone;

enter the village,

go to the charnel ground,

or leave for another region.

If his teacher is sick, he should nurse him for as long as he lives or wait until he has recovered.

This is the proper conduct of a pupil toward his teacher.”

14. Discussion of the proper conduct toward a pupil

At that time the teachers were not conducting themselves properly toward their pupils.

The monks of few desires complained and criticized them,

“How can the teachers not conduct themselves properly toward their pupils?”

They told the Buddha.

Soon afterwards he had the Sangha gathered and questioned the monks:

“Is it true, monks, that the teachers are not conducting themselves properly toward their pupils?”

“It’s true, sir.” …

After rebuking them …

the Buddha gave a teaching and addressed the monks:

“Well then, I’ll lay down the proper conduct for a teacher toward his pupil.

A teacher should conduct himself properly toward his pupil.

This is the proper conduct:

A teacher should help and take care of his pupil through recitation, questioning, and instruction.

If the teacher has a bowl, but not the pupil, the teacher should give it to him,

or he should make an effort to get him one.

If the teacher has a robe, but not the pupil, the teacher should give it to him,

or he should make an effort to get him one.

If the teacher has a requisite, but not the pupil, the teacher should give it to him,

or he should make an effort to get him one.”

Meals and almsround

“If the pupil is sick, the teacher should get up at the appropriate time and give his pupil a tooth cleaner and water for rinsing the mouth, and he should prepare a seat for him.

If there’s congee, he should rinse a vessel and bring the congee to his pupil.

When he has drunk the congee, the teacher should give him water and receive the vessel. Holding it low, he should wash it carefully without scratching it and then put it away.

When the pupil has gotten up, the teacher should put away the seat.

If the place is dirty, he should sweep it.

If the pupil wants to enter the village, the teacher should give him a sarong and receive the one he’s wearing in return. He should give him a belt. He should put the upper robes together, overlapping each other edge-to-edge, and then give them to him. He should rinse his pupil’s bowl and give it to him while wet.

Before he’s due back, the teacher should prepare a seat and set out a foot stool, a foot scraper, and water for washing the feet. He should go out to meet the pupil and receive his bowl and robe. He should give him a sarong and receive the one he’s wearing in return.

If the robe is damp, he should sun it for a short while, but shouldn’t leave it in the heat.

He should fold the robe,

offsetting the edges by seven centimeters,¹¹⁶

so that the fold doesn’t become worn.

He should place the belt in the fold.

If there’s almsfood and his pupil wants to eat, the teacher should give him water and then the almsfood.

He should ask his pupil if he wants water to drink.

When the pupil has eaten, the teacher should give him water and receive his bowl. Holding it low, he should wash it carefully without scratching it. He should then dry it and sun it for a short while, but shouldn’t leave it in the heat.

The teacher should put away the robe and bowl.

When putting away the bowl, he should hold the bowl in one hand, feel under the bed or the bench with the other, and then put it away. He shouldn’t put the bowl away on the bare floor.

When putting away the robe, he should hold the robe in one hand, wipe the bamboo robe rack or the clothesline with the other, and then put it away by folding the robe over it,

making the ends face the wall and the fold face out.

When the pupil has gotten up, the teacher should put away the seat and also the foot stool, the foot scraper, and the water for washing the feet.

If the place is dirty, he should sweep it.”

Bathing

“If the pupil wants to bathe, the teacher should prepare a bath.

If he wants a cold bath, he should prepare that;

if he wants a hot bath, he should prepare that.

If the pupil wants to take a sauna, the teacher should knead bath powder, moisten the clay, take a sauna bench, and go to the sauna. After giving his pupil the sauna bench, receiving his robe, and putting it aside, he should give him the bath powder and the clay.

If he’s able, he should enter the sauna.

When entering the sauna, he should smear his face with clay, cover himself front and back, and then enter.

He shouldn’t sit encroaching on the senior monks,

or block the junior monks from getting a seat.

While in the sauna, he should provide assistance to his pupil.

When leaving the sauna, he should take the sauna bench, cover himself front and back, and then leave.

The teacher should also provide assistance to his pupil in the water.

When the teacher has bathed, he should be the first to come out. He should dry himself and put on his sarong. He should then wipe the water off his pupil’s body, and he should give him his sarong and then his upper robe. Taking the sauna bench, he should be the first to return. He should prepare a seat, and also set out a foot stool, a foot scraper, and water for washing the feet. He should ask his pupil if he wants water to drink.”

The dwelling

“If the dwelling where the pupil is staying is dirty, the teacher should clean it if he’s able.

When he’s cleaning the dwelling, he should first take out the bowl and robe and put them aside. He should take out the sitting mat and the sheet and put them aside. He should take out the mattress and the pillow and put them aside. Holding the bed low, he should carefully take it out without scratching it or knocking it against the door or the door frame, and he should put it aside. Holding the bench low, he should carefully take it out without scratching it or knocking it against the door or the door frame, and he should put it aside. He should take out the bed supports and put them aside. He should take out the spittoon and put it aside. He should take out the leaning board and put it aside. After taking note of its position, he should take out the floor cover and put it aside. If the dwelling has cobwebs, he should first remove them from the ceiling cloth, and he should then wipe the windows and the corners of the room. If the walls have been treated with red ocher and they’re moldy, he should moisten a cloth, wring it out, and wipe the walls. If the floor has been treated with a black finish and it’s moldy, he should moisten a cloth, wring it out, and wipe the floor. If the floor is untreated, he should sprinkle it with water and then sweep it, trying to avoid stirring up dust. He should look out for any trash and discard it.

He should sun the floor cover, clean it, beat it, bring it back inside, and put it back as before. He should sun the bed supports, wipe them, bring them back inside, and put them back as before. He should sun the bed, clean it, and beat it. Holding it low, he should carefully bring it back inside without scratching it or knocking it against the door or the door frame, and he should put it back as before. He should sun the bench, clean it, and beat it. Holding it low, he should carefully bring it back inside without scratching it or knocking it against the door or the door frame, and he should put it back as before. He should sun the mattress and the pillow, clean them, beat them, bring them back inside, and put them back as before. He should sun the sitting mat and the sheet, clean them, beat them, bring them back inside, and put them back as before. He should sun the spittoon, wipe it, bring it back inside, and put it back where it was. He should sun the leaning board, wipe it, bring it back inside, and put it back where it was. He should put away the bowl and robe. When putting away the bowl, he should hold the bowl in one hand, feel under the bed or the bench with the other, and then put it away. He shouldn’t put the bowl away on the bare floor. When putting away the robe, he should hold the robe in one hand, wipe the bamboo robe rack or the clothesline with the other, and then put it away by folding the robe over it, making the ends face the wall and the fold face out.

If dusty winds are blowing from the east, he should close the windows on the eastern side. If dusty winds are blowing from the west, he should close the windows on the western side. If dusty winds are blowing from the north, he should close the windows on the northern side. If dusty winds are blowing from the south, he should close the windows on the southern side. If the weather is cold, he should open the windows during the day and close them at night. If the weather is hot, he should close the windows during the day and open them at night.

If the yard is dirty, he should sweep it. If the gateway is dirty, he should sweep it. If the assembly hall is dirty, he should sweep it. If the water-boiling shed is dirty, he should sweep it. If the restroom is dirty, he should sweep it. If there’s no water for drinking, he should get some. If there’s no water for washing, he should get some.

If there’s no water in the restroom ablutions pot, he should fill it.”

Spiritual support, etc.

“If the pupil becomes discontent with the spiritual life, the teacher should send him away or have him sent away, or he should give him a teaching.

If the pupil becomes anxious, the teacher should dispel it or have it dispelled, or he should give him a teaching.

If the pupil has wrong view, the teacher should make him give it up or have someone else do it, or he should give him a teaching.

If the pupil has committed a heavy offense and deserves probation,

the teacher should try to get the Sangha to give it to him.

If the pupil has committed a heavy offense and deserves to be sent back to the beginning,

the teacher should try to get the Sangha to do it.

If the pupil has committed a heavy offense and deserves the trial period,

the teacher should try to get the Sangha to give it to him.

If the pupil has committed a heavy offense and deserves rehabilitation,

the teacher should try to get the Sangha to give it to him.

If the Sangha wants to do a legal procedure against his pupil—whether a procedure of censure, demotion, banishment, reconciliation, or ejection—

the teacher should make an effort to stop it or to reduce the penalty.

But if the Sangha has already done a legal procedure against his pupil—whether a procedure of censure, demotion, banishment, reconciliation, or ejection—

the teacher should help the pupil conduct himself properly and suitably so as to deserve to be released, and try to get the Sangha to lift that procedure.

If the pupil’s robe needs washing, the teacher should show him how to do it,

or he should make an effort to get it done.

If the pupil needs a robe, the teacher should show him how to make one,

or he should make an effort to get one made.

If the pupil needs dye, the teacher should show him how to make it,

or he should make an effort to get it made.

If the pupil’s robe needs dyeing, the teacher should show him how to do it,

or he should make an effort to get it done.

When he’s dyeing the robe, he should carefully and repeatedly turn it over,

and shouldn’t go away while it’s still dripping.

If his pupil is sick, he should nurse him for as long as he lives or wait until he has recovered.

This is the proper conduct of a teacher toward his pupil.”

The eighth chapter on proper conduct is finished. In this chapter there are nineteen topics and fourteen kinds of proper conduct.

This is the summary:

“With sandals, and sunshades,

Covered, head, drinking water;

Would not bow down, they did not ask,

Snake, the good monks complained.

Removed, sunshade, and on the shoulder,

Without hurry, gather;

Put down bowl and robe,

And suitable, asked.

Should pour, with washed,

With dry, with wet, sandals;

Senior, junior, should ask,

And occupied, where to go for alms.

Training, excrement, drinking water, washing water,

Walking stick, then agreement;

The right time, moment, dirty,

Should take out the floor cover.

Bed support, mattress, pillow,

Bed, and bench, spittoon;

Leaning board, ceiling cloth, corners,

Red ocher, black, untreated.

And trash, floor cover,

Bed support, bed, bench;

Mattress, also sitting mat,

Spittoon, and leaning board.

Bowl, robe, and floor,

Ends far, folds near;

From the east, and from the west,

From the north, then from the south.

And day and night in the cold and heat,

And yard, gatehouse;

Assembly, and water-boiling shed,

And conduct in the restrooms.

Drinking water, washing water,

And pot for ablutions;

Laid down by the Incomparable one,

These make up the conduct for newly-arrived monks.

No seat, no water,

No going to meet, and no drinking water;

Would not bow down, would not assign,

And the good monks complained.

Senior, and seat, water,

And having gone to meet, drinking water;

Sandals, aside,

And should bow down, should assign.

Occupied, and where to go for alms, training,

Place, drinking water, washing water;

Walking stick, agreement, right time,

Remain seated for one who is junior.

Should bow down, should point out,

The same method as above;

Declared by the Caravan Leader,

These make up the conduct for resident monks.

Departing, and wood and ceramic,

Leaving open, no informing;

And they were lost, and unprotected,

And the good monks complained,

Having put in order, having closed,

Having informed, he should depart;

A monk or a novice,

A monastery worker, a lay follower.

And a pile on rocks,

He should put away, and he should close;

If he is able, effort,

And just so in a dry spot.

The whole gets wet, village,

And just so in the open;

Hopefully the requisites will be okay,

The proper conduct for a departing monk.

They did not express their appreciation, by the most senior,

Left behind, by four or five;

Needing to defecate, he fainted,

These make up the conduct for the expression of appreciation.

The group of six were shabbily dressed,

And then also badly dressed;

And improper appearance, short cut,

In encroaching on the senior monks.

And the junior monks, upper robe,

And the good monks complained;

Putting on the sarong while covering the navel and knees,

Belt, putting together, toggle.

No short cut, covered,

Well-restrained, lowered eyes;

Lifted, laugh loudly, noisy,

And three on swaying.

Hands on hips, covering the head, squatting on the heels,

Covered, well-restrained;

Lowered, lifted, laugh loudly,

Little noise, three on swaying.

And hands on hips, covering the head, clasping the knees,

Encroaching, no seat;

Spread out, water,

Holding low, poured.

Receiving, nearby, upper robe,

And rice, he should receive;

Curry, with special curry,

For everyone, and even level.

Respectfully, and attention on the bowl,

And in order, bean curry;

Not from a heap, should cover,

Asking, finding fault.

Large, rounded, mouth,

The whole hand, he should not speak;

Lifted, breaking up, cheeks,

Shaking, scattering rice.

And sticking out his tongue,

Chomping, slurping;

Licking the hand, the bowl, the lips,

Soiled with food, should receive.

Not until everyone, water,

Holding low, poured;

Receiving, nearby, upper robe,

Holding low, and on the ground.

Containing rice, returning,

Well-covered, squatting on the heels;

Laid down by the King of the Teaching,

This is the proper conduct in regard to dining halls.

Shabbily dressed, improper in appearance,

And non-attentive, hasty;

Far, too near, long, soon,

Just so the alms collector.

He should go covered,

Well-restrained, lowered eyes;

Lifted, laugh loudly, without noise,

And three on swaying.

Hands on hips, covering the head, squatting on the heels,

And attentive, hastily;

Far, too near, long, soon,

Seat, serving spoon.

Or a vessel, and make wait,

Having lifted up, having stretched out;

He should receive, he should not look,

And just so for curry.

The monk should cover with the upper robe,

He should go covered;

And well-restrained, lowered eyes,

And lifted, laugh loudly;

Not noisy, three swaying,

Hands on hips, covering the head, squatting on the heels.

First, seat, leftovers,

Drinking water, washing water;

The last may eat if he desires,

Should discard, should put away.

Should put away, should sweep,

Empty, hollow, he should fill;

Hand signal, he should not break into speech,

This is the conduct for the alms collector.

Drinking water, washing water, fire, fire-making implements,

Constellations, regions, and criminals;

“None of it is,” having beaten up,

Bowl, on the shoulder, so robe.

Now, hanging on the shoulder,

Covering navel and knees, evenly all around;

As the conduct for the alms collector,

So the method for those staying in the wilderness.

Bowl, on the shoulder, robe, on the head,

And having put on, drinking water;

Washing water, fire,

And also fire-making implements, walking stick.

Constellations, or a portion,

Should be skilled also in the regions;

Laid down by the Supreme Teacher,¹¹⁷

These make up the conduct for those staying in the wilderness.

Outside, they were covered,

And the good monks complained;

If the dwelling is dirty,

First the bowl and robe.

Mattress, pillow, bed,

Bench, spittoon;

Leaning board, ceiling cloth, corners,

Red ocher, black, untreated.

Trash, near monks,

Furniture, dwelling, drinking water;

Near washing water,

And in an open area upwind.

Downwind, cover,

And supports, bed;

Bench, mattress, sitting mat,

Spittoon, and leaning board.

Bowl, robe, and floor,

Ends far, folds near;

East, and west,

North, then south.

And day and night in the cold and heat,

And yard, gatehouse;

Assembly, and water-boiling shed,

And restroom, drinking water.

Restroom ablutions pot, and a senior monk,

Recitation, question, rehearse;

Teaching, should turn off a lamp,

Should not open, and also not close.

Turning around according to seniority,

Should not touch even with a corner;

Laid down by the Great Hero,

That is the proper conduct in regard to dwellings.

Were being kept out, door,

Fainted, the good monks complained;

He should discard the ashes, sauna,

And just so the area outside.

Yard, gatehouse, sauna shed,

Bath powder, clay, trough;

Face, in front, not the senior monks,

Not the junior monks, if he is able.

In front, upstream, way,

Muddy, clay, bench;

Having extinguished, and having closed,

These make up the conduct in regard to saunas.

He did not wash, according to seniority,

And order, hastily;

Pulled up, groaning, tooth cleaner,

Feces, urine, spit.

Coarse, cesspit, hastily,

And pulled up, chomping, with remainder;

Outside, and inside, should clear his throat,

Clothesline, and without hurry.

Hastily, pulled up, when standing,

Groaning, tooth cleaner, and feces;

Urine, spit, coarse,

Cesspit, foot stands for defecating.

Not too hastily, pulled up,

Foot stands, chomping;

He should not leave, he should cover,

Stained, and with container.

Restroom, area outside,

And yard, gatehouse;

And water for ablutions,

These make up the conduct in regard to restrooms.

Sandals, tooth cleaner,

And water for rinsing the mouth, seat;

Congee, water, having washed,

Put away, dirty, and village.

Sarong, belt,

Putting together, wet bowl;

Attendant, and the navel and the knees,

Evenly all around, belt.

Putting together, rinsed, attendant,

Not too far, he should receive;

When speaking, offense,

Go first, seat.

Water, stool, scraper,

Having gone to meet, sarong;

He should sun, he left it, fold,

In the fold, to eat, should give.

Drinking water, water, low,

A short while, and he should not leave it;

Bowl and robe, and floor,

Ends far, folds near.

He should put away, and he should put away,

And dirty, to bathe;

Cold, hot, sauna,

Bath powder, clay, behind.

And bench, robe, bath powder,

Clay, he is able, face;

Front, the seniors, and the juniors,

And provide assistance, he should leave.

Front, in the water, when he has bathed,

Having put on the sarong, preceptor;

And the sarong, upper robe,

Bench, and with a seat.

Foot, stool, and scraper,

Drinking water, reciting, questioning;

Dirty, he should clean it well,

First the bowl and robe.

Sitting mat and sheet,

Mattress, and pillow;

Bed, bench, support,

Spittoon, and leaning board.

Floor, cobweb, window,

Red ocher, black, untreated;

Floor cover, supports,

Bed, bench, pillow.

Sitting mat, sheet, spittoon,

Leaning board, bowl and robe;

From the east, and from the west,

From the north, then from the south.

And day and night in the cold and heat,

And yard, gatehouse;

Assembly, and water-boiling shed,

Restroom, water for drinking, water for washing.

Ablutions, discontent,

Anxious, and view, heavy;

Beginning, trial period, rehabilitation,

Censure, demotion.

Banishment, reconciliation,

And ejection, or done;

He should wash, should make, and dye,

He should dye, turning over.

And bowl, and also robe,

And requisite, cutting;

Provide assistance, service,

Attendant, alms, entering.

Charnel ground, and regions,

He should nurse for as long as he lives;

This is for a student,

These make up the conduct for a preceptor.

Instruction, teaching, recitation,

Questioning, and bowl, robe;

Requisite, and sick,

He should not be the attendant.

This conduct toward preceptors,

Thus too toward teachers;

The conduct toward a student,

Just so toward a pupil.

The conduct concerning those newly arrived,

And again concerning the residents;

Those departing, and those expressing appreciation,

About the dining hall, about the alms collector.

The conduct for those staying in the wilderness,

And also concerning dwellings;

About the sauna, restroom,

Preceptors, toward a student.

The conduct toward teachers,

Just so toward a pupil;

Nineteen topics,¹¹⁸

Fourteen on proper conduct in this chapter.

If you do not fulfill the proper conduct,

Then you do not fulfill your virtue;

Impure in virtue, weak in wisdom,

You do not know the unity of mind.

A mind distracted, not unified,

Does not see the teaching rightly;

Not seeing the true teaching,

You are not released from suffering.

But if you do fulfill the proper conduct,

Then you also fulfill your virtue;

Pure in virtue, possessed of wisdom,

You also know the unity of mind.

A non-distracted mind, unified,

Sees the teaching rightly;

Seeing the true teaching,

You are released from suffering.

So, fulfill the proper conduct,

You the Son of the Victor, possessed of insight;

The instruction of the Buddha, the best—

Go from that to extinguishment, in this way.”

The chapter on proper conduct is finished.