[358] At that time the Buddha, the Blessed One, was dwelling at Kosambī, in the Ghositārāma. Now at that time the Venerable Channa, having himself¹ engaged in misconduct, when being examined in the midst of the Saṅgha concerning an offence (āpatti), evaded by speaking of one thing after another: "Who has committed it? What has been committed? In regard to what was it committed? How was it committed? Of whom do you speak? Of what do you speak?"
Those bhikkhus who were of few wishes … criticized, complained, and spread it about: "How indeed can the Venerable Channa, being examined in the midst of the Saṅgha concerning an offence, evade by speaking of one thing after another: 'Who has committed it? What has been committed? In regard to what was it committed? How was it committed? Of whom do you speak? Of what do you speak?'" Then those bhikkhus reported this matter to the Blessed One.
Then the Blessed One questioned the Venerable Channa: "Is it true, Channa, as they say, that you, being examined in the midst of the Saṅgha concerning an offence, evade by speaking of one thing after another: 'Who has committed it? … Of what do you speak?'"
"It is true, Blessed One."
The Buddha, the Blessed One, rebuked him: "How indeed can you, foolish man, being examined in the midst of the Saṅgha concerning an offence, evade by speaking of one thing after another: 'Who has committed it? … Of what do you speak?' This, foolish man, is not conducive to the confidence of those without confidence …" Having rebuked him and given a talk on the Dhamma, he addressed the bhikkhus: "Well then, bhikkhus, let the Saṅgha impose upon the bhikkhu Channa² (the charge of) evasive speech (aññavādaka). And thus, bhikkhus, should it be imposed: the Saṅgha should be informed by a competent, capable bhikkhu:
"'Venerable sirs, let the Saṅgha hear me. This bhikkhu Channa, being examined in the midst of the Saṅgha concerning an offence, evades by speaking of one thing after another. If it is the fitting time for the Saṅgha, let the Saṅgha impose upon the bhikkhu Channa (the charge of) evasive speech. This is the motion (ñatti).
"'Venerable sirs, let the Saṅgha hear me. This bhikkhu Channa, being examined in the midst of the Saṅgha concerning an offence, evades by speaking of one thing after another. The Saṅgha imposes upon the bhikkhu Channa (the charge of) evasive speech. Whichever venerable one approves of the imposing upon the bhikkhu Channa of (the charge of) evasive speech, let him be silent; whoever does not approve, let him speak.
"'(The charge of) evasive speech has been imposed by the Saṅgha upon the bhikkhu Channa. It is approved by the Saṅgha; therefore it is silent. Thus do I hold this matter.'"
¹ Siam edition footnote: this reading ("sayaṃ") is absent in the Ma (Burmese) edition.
² Siam edition footnote: this ("bhikkhuno") appears to be an additional reading.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.