Mahavogga 2.7

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Translated from the Pâli by T. W. Rhys Davids and Hermann Oldenberg

1. At that time the Khabbaggiya Bhikkhus, considering that fixing of boundaries had been prescribed by the Blessed One, fixed boundaries of excessive extension, of four yoganas, five yoganas, six yoganas. The Bhikkhus who came to the Uposatha, arrived when the Pâtimokkha was being recited, or when it had just been recited, or they were obliged to stay the night on the way.

They told this thing to the Blessed One.

'Let no one, O Bhikkhus, determine a boundary of excessive extension, of four, five, or six yoganas. He who determines (such a boundary), commits a dukkata offence. I prescribe, O Bhikkhus, that you determine boundaries of three yoganas' extent at most.

2. At that time the Khabbaggiya Bhikkhus determined a boundary which extended to the opposite side of a river. The Bhikkhus who came to the Uposatha, were carried down (by the river), and their alms-bowls and robes were carried away.

They told this thing to the Blessed One.

'Let no one, O Bhikkhus, determine a boundary which extends to the opposite side of a river. He who determines (such a boundary), commits a dukkata offence. I allow you, O Bhikkhus, if there is a regular communication by a ferry boat or a dike, at such places to determine a boundary which extends also to the opposite side of the river.'