Numbered Discourses 5.112
- At Andhakavinda
A Second Monk
“Mendicants, you shouldn’t take a second monk with five qualities.
What five?
They walk too far away or too close behind. They don’t take your bowl when it’s full. They don’t warn you when your speech is bordering on an offense. They keep on interrupting while you’re speaking. And they’re witless, dull, and idiotic.
You shouldn’t take a second monk these five qualities.
You should take a second monk with five qualities.
What five?
They don’t walk too far away or too close behind. They take your bowl when it is full. They warn you when your speech is bordering on an offense. They don’t interrupt while you’re speaking. And they’re wise, bright, and clever.
You should take a second monk with these five qualities.”