On lying

Bhikkhus, there are four lying positions. What four?

The lying position of ghosts, of one enjoying sensuality, of a lion and the lying position of the Thus Gone One.

Bhikkhus, what is the lying position of ghosts?

For most of the time, ghosts lie upside on their back. To this, is said the lying position of ghosts.

Bhikkhus, what is the lying position of one with sensual lust?

For most of the time, those enjoying sexuality lie turning to their left flank. To this, is said the lying position of those enjoying sexuality .

Bhikkhus, what is the lying position of the lion?

Bhikkhus, the king of animals lies turning to his right flank, placing one foot over the other, fixing the tail between his thights. Thoughtfully he straightens the fore part of the body and looks at the hind part of the body and if he notices any parts of the body thrown about or widened he is not happy if he notices that no parts of the body are thrown about or widened he is happy. This is the lying position of the lion.

Bhikkhus, what is the lying position of the Thus Gone One?

Here, bhikkhus, the bhikkhu secluded from sensual desires ... re ... abides in the fourth higher state of mind. To this is called the lying position of the Thus Gone One.

Bhikkhus, these four are the lying positions.