[349] At that time the Buddha, the Blessed One, was dwelling at Āḷavī, at the Aggāḷava Shrine (cetiya). Now at that time the bhikkhus of Āḷavī, engaged in building work (navakamma), were digging the earth themselves and having it dug. People complained, criticized, and spread it about: "How can the ascetics, sons of the Sakyan, dig the earth and have it dug? The ascetics, sons of the Sakyan, are harming one-facultied life."
Bhikkhus heard those people complaining, criticizing, and spreading it about. Those bhikkhus who were of few wishes … complained, criticized, and spread it about: "How can the bhikkhus of Āḷavī dig the earth and have it dug?"
Then those bhikkhus reported this matter to the Blessed One. …
"Is it true, as they say, bhikkhus, that you dig the earth and have it dug?"
"It is true, Blessed One."
The Buddha, the Blessed One, rebuked them: "How can you, foolish men, dig the earth and have it dug? For, foolish men, people perceive the earth as possessed of life. This, foolish men, is not for the confidence of those without confidence, nor for the increase of those already confident …. And thus, bhikkhus, you should recite this training rule (sikkhāpada):
"Should any bhikkhu dig the earth or have it dug, there is an offense of pācittiya."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.