Path of Freedom [Vimuttimagga]

52 Vimuttimaggaplace, serve, give information, take care of bowl and robe and point out theplace for easing.According to the rules for visiting bhikkhus, one should go round, withinthe precincts of the monastery, before sundown.If one sees a teacher of discipline, one should talk with him and ask himconcerning any faults with regard to which one is in doubt, and which one hasnot yet committed. Or, if one sees a teacher of Abhidhamma, one shouldinquire concerning the method of acquiring wisdom and about the aggregates,sense-spheres, elements and kamma. If one sees an observer of austerities,one should inquire concerning the benefits of the austerities connected withwisdom. If one dwells there, one should go to many and daily make inquiries.If one wishes to leave, one folds one's bedding and bows at the seniors' feetand informs them and leaves. These are the rules for visiting bhikkhus.How does a yogin dwell in a monastery ? When the teacher of meditationcomes, one should take his bowl and robe, even if he be a junior. Accordingto the rule of the teacher of meditation, one should practise that which oughtto be practised or not practise the ought-not-to-be-practised, and one shouldnot abandon the practising (of that which ought to be practised and of thatwhich ought not to be practised). This is the practice that should be observedat first. Thus should one practise.If the yogin wishes to let others learn the Law at first, he watches thedwelling-place and keeps the bowls and robes. After sometime has passed,he, at the proper time, approaches the teacher of meditation, salutes himrespectfully, and remaining silent a while, sits.Should the teacher of meditation question the yogin, he expresses hisdesire. If the teacher of meditation does not question, the yogin should notspeak. Thereupon he should ask for tooth-sticks and water for washing,and should use them in the proper way.When the time for the alms-round comes, he should ask permission ofthe teacher and follow the usual way.When the meal-time arrives, one should wash the teacher's feet, arrangehis seat, give him the bowl and inquire of the teacher what he wants fromone's own bowl. Having partaken of the remainder, one gives what is leftover to the juniors. Thus one observes and abstains from quarrelling.After finishing one's meal, one washes the teacher's bowl and puts it inthe proper place.Seeing a suitable time, one approaches the teacher, respectfully saluteshim, and remaining silent a while, sits. Should the teacher question, oneshould express one's desires. Should the teacher not question, one worshipsand says: "I will now say what I wanted to say from the first. If I ampermitted, I wish to ask what I want". Should the teacher permit, oneexpresses everything. Should the teacher not question, one should worshiphim.