Perhaps someone familiar with the Vinaya could help in this interesting case
here:
In *the Bahiya Sutta* (U 1.10) and *the Acela Kassapa Sutta* (S 12.17), the
Buddha is asked thrice to teach the Dharma, but each time, he replies, "*This
is not the proper time. We have entered amongst houses*."
Buddhaghosa says that this is to gain respect from Acela Kassapa and also so
that his knowledge would ripen (SA 2:35).
Dhammapala, however, is more convincing in his detailed discussion, one
explanation of which is that Bahiya is very excited on meeting the Buddha,
who thrice says no mainly to calm him down before teaching Dharma (UA 90).
What is interesting is that there is *no comment whatsoever (am I wrong
here?) on the actual statement*, "*We are have entered amongst houses*"
(antara,ghare pavi.t.thamha). This phrase and its variations are commonly
found in the Vinaya esp the Sekhiya, and also in the Suttas.
However, I have been unable to locate any Vinaya rule to the effect that a
monk should not teach Dharma when "amongst houses," meaning with (1) not to
teach Dharma in the streets, or (2) not to teach Dharma when on almsround,
or both. Or, is there no such rule?
Has anyone any insight on this interesting topic: I have also not found any
teacher or scholar referring to his matter.
This is part of my introductory notes to the Acela Kassapa Sutta
translation.
Metta and mudita,
Piya Tan
*The Minding Centre
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[near Bukit Batok MRT/Interchange] Singapore 650644.
*Minding Centre Website:
http://mindcentre.googlepages.com<http://minding.centre.googlepages.com/>
*
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