[531] On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Sāvatthī, in Jeta's Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's Park. Then the Venerable Mahākassapa approached the Blessed One; having approached, he paid homage to the Blessed One and sat down to one side. Sitting to one side, the Venerable Mahākassapa said this to the Blessed One: "What, venerable sir, is the cause, what is the reason, why formerly there were fewer training rules (sikkhāpada), yet more bhikkhus were established in final knowledge (aññā)? And what, venerable sir, is the cause, what is the reason, why now there are more training rules, yet fewer bhikkhus are established in final knowledge?"
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.