On one occasion a lay follower wanted to build a lotus bathing tank for the benefit of the Sangha. They told the Buddha. “I allow lotus bathing tanks.” The edges of the tank collapsed. “I allow you to construct three kinds of foundations: foundations of brick, stone, and wood.” It was difficult to get up to the tank. “I allow three kinds of stairs: stairs of brick, stone, and wood.” People fell down while climbing the stairs. “I allow rails.” The water in the tanks became stagnant. “I allow a channel and a drain.” On one occasion a certain monk wanted to build a sauna with a pointed roof for the benefit of the Sangha. “I allow saunas with pointed roofs.”

Various regulations on proper conduct and allowable requisites At one time the monks from the group of six did not have sitting mats for a period of four months. They told the Buddha. “You shouldn’t be without a sitting mat for a period of four months. If you are, you commit an offense of wrong conduct.”