Early Monastic Buddhism v2.c29.s1.8

v2.c29.s1.8

It is an interesting reading how arrangements of beds and seats were made for the residence of the bhikkhus.³ Dabba Mallaputta, it is said, made such an arrangement that the bhikkhus, adopting the same mode of life (sabhāgā), resided in the same place in order that the Suttantikas could recite suttantas among themselves while the Vinayadharas could discuss the rules of discipline with one another, and the *Dhammakathikas* talk about the matters of doctrine. Instances are not rare of a feeling of rivalry among these bodies, each member of which wished and was pleased to see the body to which he belonged take precedence over other bodies in having seat or food in assemblies or in thanksgiving after a meal.¹