[475] At that time the Buddha, the Blessed One, was dwelling at Rājagaha, in the Veḷuvana, the Kalandakanivāpa. Now on that occasion Devadatta, whose gain and honor had declined,¹ together with his following, ate having repeatedly requested food among families. People complained, criticized, and spread it about, saying: "How can the ascetics, sons of the Sakyan, eat having repeatedly requested food among families? To whom is what is excellent not agreeable? To whom is what is sweet not pleasing?"
Bhikkhus heard those people complaining, criticizing, and spreading it about. Those bhikkhus who were of few wishes … complained, criticized, and spread it about, saying: "How can Devadatta, together with his following, eat having repeatedly requested food among families?" …
"Is it true, Devadatta, as they say, that you, together with your following, eat having repeatedly requested food among families?"
"It is true, Blessed One."
The Buddha, the Blessed One, rebuked him: "How can you, foolish man, together with your following, eat having repeatedly requested food among families? This, foolish man, is not for the arousing of confidence in those without confidence, nor for the increase of confidence in those who have it …
"And thus, bhikkhus, you should recite this training rule: 'In a group meal, there is an offense entailing expiation (pācittiya).'"
And thus this training rule was laid down by the Blessed One for the bhikkhus.
¹ Variant (Yu.): pahīnalābhasakkāro.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.