[856] At that time the Buddha, the Blessed One, was dwelling among the Bhaggas at Suṃsumāragira, in the Deer Park at the Bhesakaḷā Grove. Now at that time bhikkhus at the Kokanada palace were discarding bowl-washing water containing rice grains within an inhabited area. People complained, criticized, and spread it about, saying: "How can the ascetics, sons of the Sakyan, discard bowl-washing water containing rice grains within an inhabited area, just like householders who enjoy sensual pleasures?" Bhikkhus heard those people complaining, criticizing, and spreading it about. Those bhikkhus who were of few wishes … complained, criticized, and spread it about, saying: "How can bhikkhus discard bowl-washing water containing rice grains within an inhabited area?"
"Is it true, as they say, bhikkhus, that bhikkhus are discarding bowl-washing water containing rice grains within an inhabited area?"
"It is true, Blessed One."
The Buddha, the Blessed One, rebuked them: "How, bhikkhus, can those foolish men discard bowl-washing water containing rice grains within an inhabited area? This, bhikkhus, is not for the gaining of confidence by those without confidence, nor for the increase of confidence in those who have it …
"And thus, bhikkhus, you should recite this training rule (sikkhāpada): 'I will not discard bowl-washing water containing rice grains within an inhabited area' — this is a training to be observed."
Bowl-washing water containing rice grains is not to be discarded within an inhabited area. Whoever, out of disrespect, discards bowl-washing water containing rice grains within an inhabited area 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 discards it after removing [the grains], or after breaking them up, or after taking it out in a receptacle; in emergencies; if he is insane; if he is the first offender.
The sixteen connected with teaching the Dhamma.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.