[105] Ānanda, at one time I was dwelling right here in Vesālī, at the Udena Shrine (cetiya). There too, Ānanda, I addressed you: 'Ānanda, delightful is Vesālī; delightful is the Udena Shrine. Ānanda, whoever has developed the four bases of psychic power (iddhipāda), made much of them, made them a vehicle, made them a foundation, established them, consolidated them, and thoroughly undertaken them, could, if he wished, remain for the eon (kappa) or for the remainder of the eon. Ānanda, the Tathāgata has developed the four bases of psychic power, made much of them, made them a vehicle, made them a foundation, established them, consolidated them, and thoroughly undertaken them. The Tathāgata, Ānanda, if he wished, could remain for the eon or for the remainder of the eon.' Yet even when so obvious a sign was being made by the Tathāgata, so obvious a hint was being given, you were unable to penetrate it; you did not beg the Tathāgata: 'May the Blessed One remain for the eon; may the Sublime One (Sugata) remain for the eon — for the welfare of the many, for the happiness of the many, out of compassion for the world, for the good, the welfare, and the happiness of devas and human beings.' If you had begged the Tathāgata, Ānanda, the Tathāgata would have refused your words twice, but at the third time he would have consented. Therefore, Ānanda, this misdeed is yours alone; this fault is yours alone.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.