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18.

1. Now at that time the Khabbaggiya Bhikkhus separated themselves from the mats on which they sat down for four months 5.

They told this matter to the Blessed One.

'You are not, O Bhikkhus, to separate yourselves for four months from the mats on which you sit

p. 116

down. Whosoever does so, shall be guilty of a dukkata.'

Now at that time the Khabbaggiya Bhikkhus lay down to sleep on beds scattered over with flowers.

People who came on a visit to the Vihâras saw it, and murmured, &c., saying, 'Like those who still live in the pleasures of the world.'

They told this matter to the Blessed One.

'You are not, O Bhikkhus, to sleep on beds scattered over with flowers. Whosoever does so, shall be guilty of a dukkata.'

Now at that time people came to the Ârâma, bringing perfumes and garlands. The Bhikkhus, fearing to offend, would not accept them.

They told this matter to the Blessed One.

'I allow you, O Bhikkhus; to accept the perfume, and to apply it to the door for a space of five finger-breadths 1; and to accept the flowers, and put them on one side in the Vihâra.'


Footnotes

115:5 Compare the 2nd Nissaggiya.

116:1 Kavâte pañkaṅgulikam dâtum, on which Buddhaghosa has no note. This measure occurs in Gâtaka I, 166, 192; Fausböll's 'Five Gâtakas' 6; and Mahâvamsa, p. 193.


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