1. Now at that time Bhikkhus who were going on their rounds for alms did so with their under garments or their robes improperly put on, and not decently attired, and they entered dwellings without deliberation, and left them without deliberation, and they entered dwellings roughly, and left them roughly, and they stood at too great a distance or too near, and they stood too long or turned back too soon.
And a certain Bhikkhu, on his round for alms, entered a dwelling without noticing where he was going to, and taking (a doorway) for a house-door he passed into an inner chamber. A woman was lying asleep naked on her back in that chamber; and when the Bhikkhu saw her he went out again, perceiving that that was no house-door, but a chamber. Now the husband of that woman, seeing his wife in that position in the chamber, thought: 'My wife has been defiled by that Bhikkhu.' And he seized him, and beat him.
'As he stands still he should notice where (the people in the house) seem willing or not willing to give (him food). If she lays aside her work, or rises from her seat, or wipes a spoon, or wipes or puts ready a dish, he should stand still, perceiving that she seems willing to give. 'When food is being given to him, he should lift up his robe (Samghâti) with his left hand so as to disclose his bowl 1, take the bowl in both his hands,
'He who comes back last from the village, from his round for alms, may eat if there be any food left (from the meal of the other Bhikkhus), if he desires to do so. If he does not desire to do so, he should throw away the leavings on the (ground at a place) which is free from grass, or pour. them away into water. in which there are no living things. He should put away the water, footstools, and towels used for washing feet, clean the waste-tub and put it away, put away the drinking-water and the water
'This, O Bhikkhus, is the rule of conduct which I establish for Bhikkhus going their rounds for alms, which they are to observe therein.
290:1 The bowl is always carried by the left hand under the robe. On panâmeti, see the note at V, 9, 5. 291:1 The following section is, word for word, parallel to Mahâvagga IV, I, 2-4. 291:2 Avakkâra-pâtî. We have had patiggaha used just above (VIII, 4, 4) in a very similar sense and connection. The present word occurs also at Mahâvagga IV, I, 2. 292:1 Vâkam bhindati. To break silence by speaking. See Mahâvagga IV, 1, 3, where it makes good sense.
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