[526] Those appointed bhikkhus, having gone there, should inspect the site for the dwelling (vihāra). It should be ascertained whether it involves harm (sārambha) or is without harm, whether it has space around it (saparikkamana) or lacks space around it. If it involves harm and lacks space around it, he should be told: "Do not build here." If it is without harm and has space around it, it should be announced to the Saṅgha: "It is without harm and has space around it."
The bhikkhu who is to build the dwelling should approach the Saṅgha, arrange his upper robe over one shoulder, pay homage at the feet of the senior bhikkhus, sit down on his heels, raise his joined palms, and speak thus: "Venerable sirs, I wish to build a large dwelling, having a sponsor, designated for myself. Venerable sirs, I request the Saṅgha to point out a site for the dwelling." He should request a second time; he should request a third time.
The Saṅgha should be informed by a competent and capable bhikkhu: "Venerable sirs, let the Saṅgha listen to me. This bhikkhu named so-and-so wishes to build a large dwelling, having a sponsor, designated for himself. He requests the Saṅgha to point out a site for the dwelling. If it seems fitting to the Saṅgha, let the Saṅgha point out a site for the dwelling for the bhikkhu named so-and-so. This is the motion (ñatti).
"Venerable sirs, let the Saṅgha listen to me. This bhikkhu named so-and-so wishes to build a large dwelling, having a sponsor, designated for himself. He requests the Saṅgha to point out a site for the dwelling. The Saṅgha points out a site for the dwelling for the bhikkhu named so-and-so. To whichever venerable one the pointing out of a site for the dwelling for the bhikkhu named so-and-so is agreeable, let him remain silent; to whomever it is not agreeable, let him speak.
"The site for the dwelling has been pointed out by the Saṅgha for the bhikkhu named so-and-so. It is agreeable to the Saṅgha; therefore it is silent. Thus do I hold it."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.