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BOOK II, LECTURE 2, LESSON 3.
133
Now this is the first rule for begging for a couch.
If a monk or a nun beg for a couch, specifying (its quality), viz. one of Ikkata-reed, a hard one, one of Gantuka-grass, of Para-grass', of peacock feathers, of hay, of Kusa-grass, of brush-hair, of Pakkaka, of Pippala, of straw, they should, after consideration, say: 'O long-lived one! (or, O sister !) please give me this here!' If the householder prepares one of the above-specified couches, or if the mendicant asks himself, and the householder gives it, then he may accept it as pure and acceptable.
This is the first rule. (18) Now follows the second rule.
If a monk or a nun beg for a couch (of the abovedetailed description) after having well inspected it, they should, after consideration, say: 'O long-lived one! &c.' (all as in the first rule).
This is the second rule?. (19)
If a monk or a nun beg for a couch of the abovedetailed description, viz. one of Ikkata-grass, &c., from him in whose house he lives, they may use it if they get it; if not, they should remain in a squatting or sitting posture (for the whole night).
This is the third rule. (20) Now follows the fourth rule.
If a monk or a nun beg for a couch such as it is spread, either on the ground or on a wooden plank, they may use it if they get it; if not, they
1 The commentator says that from this grass artificial flowers are produced
. According to the commentary the first and second rules may not be adopted by a gakkha-nirgata, or a monk who is attached to no order of monks.
