[368] At that time the Buddha, the Blessed One, was dwelling at Rājagaha, in the Veḷuvana, the Squirrels' Feeding Ground (Kalandakanivāpa). Now at that time the Venerable Dabba Mallaputta was assigning lodgings for the Saṅgha and designating the meals. Now at that time the bhikkhus (bhikkhū) Mettiya and Bhummajaka were newly ordained and of little merit; whatever inferior lodgings belonged to the Saṅgha fell to them, and likewise inferior meals. They incited the bhikkhus to criticize the Venerable Dabba Mallaputta, saying: "Dabba Mallaputta assigns lodgings out of favoritism (chandāya) and designates meals out of favoritism."
Those bhikkhus who were of few wishes … criticized, deplored, and complained: "How can the bhikkhus Mettiya and Bhummajaka incite the bhikkhus to criticize the Venerable Dabba Mallaputta?" Then those bhikkhus reported this matter to the Blessed One.
Then the Blessed One … questioned the bhikkhus Mettiya and Bhummajaka: "Is it true, as they say, bhikkhus, that you incited the bhikkhus to criticize the bhikkhu Dabba Mallaputta?"
"It is true, Blessed One."
The Buddha, the Blessed One, rebuked them: "How can you, foolish men, incite the bhikkhus to criticize the bhikkhu Dabba Mallaputta? This, foolish men, is not for the confidence of those without confidence …" — "And thus, bhikkhus, you should recite this training rule (sikkhāpada):
"In inciting criticism, there is an offense of pācittiya."
And thus this training rule was laid down by the Blessed One for the bhikkhus.
[Note 1: The reading "paññapeti" (for "paññāpeti") occurs elsewhere; likewise below.]
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.