Chulavagga 5.32

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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-32.

1. Now at that time the Chabbaggiya Bhikkhus set the woods on fire.

People murmured, &c., saying, 'Like the charcoal burners.'

They told this matter to the Lord Buddha.

'You are not, O Bhikkhus, to set woods on fire. Whosoever does so, shall be guilty of a dukkata.'

Now at that time the Viharas were hidden under masses of grass, and when the woods were set on fire the Viharas were burnt. The Bhikkhus, fearing to offend, would not make a counter-fire for their own protection.

They told this matter to the Lord Buddha.

'I allow you, O Bhikkhus. when the woods are

on fire to make a counter-fire, and thus afford yourselves protection.'

2. Now at that time the Chabbaggiya Bhikkhus climbed up trees, and jumped from tree to tree.

People murmured, &c., saying, 'Like monkeys.

They told this matter to the Lord Buddha.

'You are not, O Bhikkhus, to climb up trees. Whosoever does so, shall be guilty of a dukkata.'

Now at that time, when a certain Bhikkhu(Monk) in the Kosala country was going to Savatthi, an elephant pursued him on the way. And that Bhikkhu, when he had run up to the foot of a tree, fearing to offend, did not climb up. The elephant passed on another way.

That Bhikkhu, on arriving at Savatthi, told this matter to the Bhikkhus (and the Bhikkhus told this matter to the Lord Buddha).

'I allow you, O Bhikkhus, when there shall be something to be done to ascend a tree to the height of a man; and in cases of misfortune as high as you like.'