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Theravāda Collection on Monastic Law The Great Analysis The chapter on training The subchapter on slurping Licking the lips 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 lips while eating. … Final ruling “‘I will not lick my lips while eating,’ this is how you should train.” One should not lick one’s lips while eating. If a monk, out of disrespect, licks his lips 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 fourth training rule is finished.