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VI, 13, 2.
207
of equal height, or lower, out of reverence for the law ''
ON DWELLINGS AND FURNITURE.
2. Now at that time a number of Bhikkhus stood around Upâli, waiting for seats; and they grew
weary.
They told this matter to the Blessed One.
'I allow you, O Bhikkhus, to sit down together with brethren entitled to sit on seats of equal height.'
Then the Bhikkhus thought, 'How many of us are entitled to sit on seats of equal height?'
They told this matter to the Blessed One.
'I allow you, O Bhikkhus, to sit on the same seat with those who are within three years of one another in seniority.'
Now at that time a number of Bhikkhus, entitled to sit on the same seat, sat down on a couch, and broke the couch down; or sat down on a chair, and broke the chair down.
'I allow, O Bhikkhus, the use of a couch, or a chair, for three persons.'
Even when three sat on the couch, or chair, it broke.
'I allow, O Bhikkhus, two to sit on a couch or a chair.'
Now at that time Bhikkhus who were not entitled to seats of equal height, were afraid they would offend if they sat together on a long seat.
They told this matter to the Blessed One.
1 Compare the fifteen rules of a similar character, Sekhiyas 5772, and especially No. 69.
Onlookers apparently, not strictly learners. On the force of pa/imâneti, compare the Bhikkhunî-vibhanga, Pârâgika I, 1, and Gâtaka II, 423.
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