[173] At that time the Buddha, the Blessed One, was dwelling at Sāvatthī, in the Jeta Grove, in Anāthapiṇḍika's monastery. Now at that time Hatthaka the Sakyan son had become confounded in debate (vādakkhitta). Conversing with adherents of other sects (titthiya), having denied, he would affirm; having affirmed, he would deny; he evaded one matter with another; he spoke deliberate falsehood; having made an appointment, he failed to keep it.
The adherents of other sects complained, criticized, and spread it about, saying: "How can Hatthaka the Sakyan son, conversing with us, having denied, affirm; having affirmed, deny; evade one matter with another; speak deliberate falsehood; and, having made an appointment, fail to keep it?"
Bhikkhus heard those adherents of other sects complaining, criticizing, and spreading it about. Then those bhikkhus approached Hatthaka the Sakyan son, and having approached, they said this to Hatthaka the Sakyan son: "Is it true, as they say, friend Hatthaka, that you, conversing with the adherents of other sects, having denied, affirm; having affirmed, deny; evade one matter with another; speak deliberate falsehood; and, having made an appointment, fail to keep it?"
"Friends, these so-called adherents of other sects must be defeated by one means or another; victory must not be given to them." [1]
Those bhikkhus who were of few wishes … complained, criticized, and spread it about: "How can Hatthaka the Sakyan son, conversing with the adherents of other sects, having denied, affirm; having affirmed, deny; evade one matter with another; speak deliberate falsehood; and, having made an appointment, fail to keep it?" Then those bhikkhus [1] reported this matter to the Blessed One.
Then the Blessed One, on this occasion, in this connection, having had the Saṅgha of bhikkhus convened, questioned Hatthaka the Sakyan son: "Is it true, as they say, Hatthaka, that you, conversing with the adherents of other sects, having denied, affirm; having affirmed, deny; evade one matter with another; speak deliberate falsehood; and, having made an appointment, fail to keep it?"
"It is true, Blessed One."
The Buddha, the Blessed One, rebuked him: "How could you, foolish man, conversing with the adherents of other sects, having denied, affirm; having affirmed, deny; evade one matter with another; speak deliberate falsehood; and, having made an appointment, fail to keep it? This, foolish man, is not for the confidence of those without confidence, nor for the increase of those who have confidence … And thus, bhikkhus, you should recite this training rule (sikkhāpada):
"In deliberate false speech (sampajānamusāvāda), there is a pācittiya."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.