The History of Buddhist Thought c10.69

c10.69

Twenty are rules of behaviour in eating. Ten rules prescribe the conditions for preaching the Doctrine to lay people. All the rules are given in the first person in a form convenient for being recited. “With downcast eye will I go among the houses. This is a training to be observed (8).” “Paying attention to my bowl will I eat my alms. This is a training to be observed (32).” “Not to a person wearing slippers, unless he is sick, will I preach the Doctrine. This is a training to be observed (61).” Similar rules follow forbidding preaching to a person with a sunshade, a stick, or a sword in his hand, wearing sandals, lying on a couch, having his head wrapped up, or walking in front, etc.