[855] At that time the Buddha, the Blessed One, was dwelling among the Bhaggas at Saṃsumāragira,¹ in the Bhesakaḷā Grove, the Deer Park. Now at that time bhikkhus in the Kokanada mansion received the drinking-water vessel with a hand soiled with food. People criticized, complained, and spread it about, saying: "How can the ascetics, sons of the Sakyan, receive the drinking-water vessel with a hand soiled with food, just like householders who enjoy sensual pleasures?" Bhikkhus heard those people criticizing, complaining, and spreading it about. Those bhikkhus who were of few wishes … they criticized, complained, and spread it about, saying: "How can bhikkhus receive the drinking-water vessel with a hand soiled with food?" …
"Is it true, as they say, bhikkhus, that bhikkhus receive the drinking-water vessel with a hand soiled with food?"
"It is true, Blessed One."
The Buddha, the Blessed One, rebuked them: "How, bhikkhus, can those foolish men receive the drinking-water vessel with a hand soiled with food? This, bhikkhus, is not for the arousing of confidence in those without confidence, nor for the increase of confidence in those already confident …
"And thus, bhikkhus, you should recite this training rule (sikkhāpada): 'I shall not receive the drinking-water vessel with a hand soiled with food' — a training to be observed."
The drinking-water vessel is not to be received with a hand soiled with food. Whoever, out of disrespect, receives the drinking-water vessel with a hand soiled with food commits an offense of wrong-doing (dukkaṭa).
There is no offense: if it is unintentional; if he is unmindful; if he does not know; if he is ill; if he receives it thinking, "I shall wash it" or "I shall have it washed"; in emergencies; if he is mad; if he is the first offender.
¹ Footnote in the Siam Raṭṭha edition: the Burmese (M.) and European (Yu.) editions read "Susumāragire"; so also below.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.