[541] Then, while the Venerable Dabba Mallaputta had gone into privacy and was in seclusion, this reflection arose in his mind: "Arahantship (arahatta) was realized by me when I was seven years from birth. Whatever is to be attained by a disciple has all been attained by me, and there is nothing further for me to do, nor any adding to what has been done. What now if I were to perform service for the Saṅgha?" Then it occurred to the Venerable Dabba Mallaputta: "Suppose I were to assign lodgings (senāsana) for the Saṅgha and designate the meals." Then in the evening, the Venerable Dabba Mallaputta, having emerged from seclusion, approached the Blessed One; having approached and paid homage to the Blessed One, he sat down to one side. Seated to one side, the Venerable Dabba Mallaputta said this to the Blessed One: "Here, venerable sir, while I had gone into privacy and was in seclusion, this reflection arose in my mind: 'Arahantship was realized by me when I was seven years from birth. Whatever is to be attained by a disciple has all been attained by me, and there is nothing further for me to do, nor any adding to what has been done. What now if I were to perform service for the Saṅgha?' Then, venerable sir, it occurred to me: 'Suppose I were to assign lodgings for the Saṅgha and designate the meals.' I wish, venerable sir, to assign lodgings for the Saṅgha and to designate the meals." "Good, good, Dabba. Then you shall assign lodgings for the Saṅgha and designate the meals." "So be it, venerable sir," the Venerable Dabba Mallaputta assented to the Blessed One.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.