At that time there was a monk who was a regurgitator. After regurgitating, he would swallow. The monks complained and criticized him, “This monk is eating at the wrong time.” They told the Buddha. “This monk has only recently passed away as a cow. I allow a regurgitator to regurgitate. But you shouldn’t take it out of the mouth and then swallow it. If you do, you should be dealt with according to the rule.”

Soon afterwards a certain association was offering a meal to the Sangha. Lots of rice fell on the floor in the dining hall. People complained and criticized them, “When they’re given rice, how can the Sakyan monastics not receive it with care? Each lump of rice is the result of hard work.” The monks heard the complaints of those people. They told the Buddha. “I allow you to pick up and eat what falls down while being given. It has been relinquished by the donors.”

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