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VI, 20, 2.
ON DWELLINGS AND FURNITURE.
219
They told this matter to the Blessed One.
You are not, O Bhikkhus, to do so. Whosoever does, shall be guilty of a dukkata. I allow, O Bhikkhus, the use of a spittoon.'
Now at that time the legs of the bedsteads and chairs made scratches on the newly prepared floor.
They told this matter to the Blessed One. 'I allow you, O Bhikkhus, to cover it up with floor-cloth.
Now at that time the Bhikkhus leant up against the newly prepared walls !, and the colouring was spoilt.
They told this thing to the Blessed One.
You are not, O Bhikkhus, to do so. Whosoever does, shall be guilty of a dukkata. I allow you, O Bhikkhus, the use of a board to lean up against?'
The board scratched the floor at the bottom, and ruined the wall at the top.
'I allow you, O Bhikkhus, to cover it at the top and bottom with cloth.
Now at that time, fearing to offend, they would not lie down on places over which it was permissible to walk with washen feet 3.
The walls were no doubt usually made with wattle and daub;' that is, sticks with clay between the interstices. This was treated from time to time like the flooring (see last note).
* Apassena-phalakam. This article of furniture is mentioned, with the spittoon, in Mahavagga I, 25, 15, 16, and in the parallel passage at Kullavagga VIII, 1, 3. We have rendered it in the Mahavagga by board to recline on. Compare the use of a passayam in Buddhaghosa's note on Kullavagga VI, 2, 4 (above, p. 153, note 3) of an arm-chair or sofa.
Dhotapâda kâ ti dhotapâdakâ hutva dhotehi pâdehi akkamitabbalthâne nipaggitum kukkukkayanti. Dhota pâdake ti pi pâtho. Dhotehi pâdehi akkamitabbalthanass' eva etam adhivakanam (B.).
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