BUDDHIST MONASTIC CODE I

Buddhist Monastic Code 1The Commentary goes into great detail on this rule, listing the various permutationsof the bhikkhu's position and his listener's, saying which ones are allowable andwhich ones not:A bhikkhu lying down may teach any listener who is standing or sitting down. Hemay also teach a listener lying down on a piece of furniture, a mat, or the ground,as long as the bhikkhu's position is on an equal level or higher than his listener's.A bhikkhu sitting down may teach a listener who is standing or sitting down (seealso Sk 68 & 69), but not one who is lying down, unless the listener is ill.A bhikkhu standing may teach a listener who is also standing, but not one who issitting or lying down, again unless the listener is ill (see Sk 70).65. I will not teach Dhamma to a person who sits clasping hisknees and who is not ill: a training to be observed.The position of clasping the knees is discussed in detail under Sk 26.66. I will not teach Dhamma to a person wearing headgear who isnot ill: a training to be observed.This rule applies only to headgear — such as turbans or hats — that hide all of thehair. If the hat/turban does not hide all of the hair, or if the listener adjusts it so asto expose some hair, it would not come under this rule.67. I will not teach Dhamma to a person whose head is covered(with a robe or scarf) and who is not ill: a training to be observed.There is no offense in teaching if the listener adjusts the robe or scarf to uncoverhis/her head.68. Sitting on the ground, I will not teach Dhamma to a personsitting on a seat who is not ill: a training to be observed.According to the Commentary, a seat here includes even a piece of cloth or a pileof grass.69. Sitting on a low seat, I will not teach Dhamma to a personsitting on a high seat who is not ill: a training to be observed.454