Chulavagga 5.31

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Adapted from the Translation by T. W. Rhys Davids and Hermann Oldenberg

CHULAVAGGA (THE MINOR SECTION)

FIFTH KHANDHAKA (ON THE DAILY LIFE OF THE BHIKKHUS)

Chapter-31.

1. Now at that time the Bhikkhus did not use tooth-sticks, and their mouths got a bad odour.

They told this matter to the Lord Buddha.

'There are these five disadvantages, O Bhikkhus, in not using tooth-sticks--it is bad for the eyes--the mouth becomes bad-smelling--the passages by which the flavours of the food pass are not pure--bile and phlegm get into the food--and the food does not taste well to him (who does not use them). These are the five disadvantages, O Bhikkhus, in not using tooth-sticks.'

There are five advantages, O Bhikkhus, (&c., the converse of the last)

'I allow you, O Bhikkhus, tooth-sticks.'

2. Now at that time the Chabbaggiya Bhikkhus used long tooth-sticks; and even struck the Samaneras with them.

They told this matter to the Lord Buddha.

'You are not, O Bhikkhus, to use long tooth-sticks.

Whosoever does so, shall be guilty of a dukkata. I allow you, O Bhikkhus, tooth-sticks up to eight finger-breadths in length. And Samaneras are not to be struck with them. Whosoever does so, shall be guilty of a dukkata.'

Now at that time a certain Bhikkhu, when using too short a tooth-stick, got it stuck in his throat.

They told this matter to the Lord Buddha.

'You are not, O Bhikkhus, to use too short a tooth-stick. Whosoever does so, shall be guilty of a dukkata. I allow you, O Bhikkhus, tooth-sticks four finger-breadths long at the least.'