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Theravāda Collection on Monastic Law The Great Analysis The chapter on training The subchapter on slurping Licking the hand Origin story At one time the Buddha was staying at Sāvatthī in the Jeta Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s Monastery. At that time the monks from the group of six were licking their hands while eating. … Final ruling “‘I will not lick my hand while eating,’ this is how you should train.” One should not lick one’s hand while eating. If a monk, out of disrespect, licks his hand while eating, he commits an offense of wrong conduct. Non-offenses There is no offense: if it is unintentional; if he is not mindful; if he does not know; if he is sick; if there is an emergency; if he is insane; if he is the first offender. The second training rule is finished.