Soon afterwards a certain association was offering a meal to the Sangha. Venerable Sāriputta was the most senior monk. Because the Buddha had said the most senior monk should give the expression of appreciation, the other monks left, leaving Sāriputta behind by himself. After giving the expression of appreciation, he left by himself. The Buddha saw him coming and asked, “Did the meal go well?” “The meal went well, sir, but the monks all left, leaving me behind by myself.” Soon afterwards the Buddha gave a teaching and addressed the monks: “The four or five most senior monks should wait in the dining hall.” On one occasion a senior monk who needed to defecate was waiting in the dining hall. Being unable to hold out, he fainted and fell over. They told the Buddha. “When there’s something to be done, I allow you to go after informing the monk next to you.”

5. Discussion of the proper conduct in relation to dining halls