[555] At that time the Buddha, the Blessed One, was dwelling among the Sakyans at Kapilavatthu, in the Nigrodha Park (Nigrodhārāma). Now at that time Mahānāma the Sakyan had an abundance of medicine. Then Mahānāma the Sakyan approached the Blessed One; having approached and paid homage to the Blessed One, he sat down to one side. Seated to one side, Mahānāma the Sakyan said this to the Blessed One: "Venerable sir, I wish to invite the Saṅgha to ask for medicine for four months."
"Good, good, Mahānāma. Then, Mahānāma, invite the Saṅgha to ask for medicine for four months."
The bhikkhus, being scrupulous, did not consent. They informed the Blessed One of this matter. "Bhikkhus, I allow you to accept an invitation regarding requisites for four months."
Now at that time the bhikkhus asked Mahānāma the Sakyan for only a small amount of medicine, and Mahānāma the Sakyan's medicine remained abundant just as before. Then a second time Mahānāma the Sakyan approached the Blessed One; having approached and paid homage to the Blessed One, he sat down to one side. Seated to one side, Mahānāma the Sakyan said this to the Blessed One: "Venerable sir, I wish to invite the Saṅgha to ask for medicine for a further four months."
"Good, good, Mahānāma. Then, Mahānāma, invite the Saṅgha to ask for medicine for a further four months."
The bhikkhus, being scrupulous, did not consent. They informed the Blessed One of this matter. "Bhikkhus, I allow you to accept a renewed invitation as well."
Now at that time the bhikkhus asked Mahānāma the Sakyan for only a small amount of medicine, and Mahānāma the Sakyan's medicine remained abundant just as before. Then a third time Mahānāma the Sakyan approached the Blessed One; having approached and paid homage to the Blessed One, he sat down to one side. Seated to one side, Mahānāma the Sakyan said this to the Blessed One: "Venerable sir, I wish to invite the Saṅgha to ask for medicine for as long as I live."
"Good, good, Mahānāma. Then, Mahānāma, invite the Saṅgha to ask for medicine for as long as you live."
The bhikkhus, being scrupulous, did not consent. They informed the Blessed One of this matter. "Bhikkhus, I allow you to accept even a permanent invitation."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.