Chapter 11

11.

Now at that time men had couches and chairs covered or bound with skins. The Bhikkhus, fearing to offend, would not sit down upon them.

They told this thing to the Blessed One.

'I allow you, O Bhikkhus, to sit down on seats arranged by laymen, but not to lie down upon them.'

Now at that time the Vihâras were bound together by thongs made of skin 1. The Bhikkhus fearing to offend, would not sit down upon them.

They told this thing to the Blessed One.

'I allow you, O Bhikkhus, to sit down upon (skins when they are) only used for binding things together.'