[689] At that time the Buddha, the Blessed One, was dwelling at Sāvatthī, in the Jetavana, the park of Anāthapiṇḍika. Now at that time the group-of-six bhikkhus (chabbaggiyā), having engaged in misconduct (anācāra), [thinking,] "Let them know that we fell into the offense out of ignorance," said thus while the Pātimokkha was being recited: "Only now do we know: this rule (dhamma), it seems, is handed down in the code (sutta), is contained in the code, and comes up for recitation every half-month."
Those bhikkhus who were of few wishes … they complained, criticized, and spread it about: "How can the group-of-six bhikkhus, while the Pātimokkha is being recited, say thus: 'Only now do we know: this rule, it seems, is handed down in the code, is contained in the code, and comes up for recitation every half-month'?" …
"Is it true, bhikkhus, that while the Pātimokkha was being recited you said thus: 'Only now do we know: this rule, it seems, is handed down in the code, is contained in the code, and comes up for recitation every half-month'?"
"It is true, Blessed One."
The Buddha, the Blessed One, rebuked them: "How can you, foolish men, while the Pātimokkha is being recited, say thus: 'Only now do we know: this rule, it seems, is handed down in the code, is contained in the code, and comes up for recitation every half-month'? 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):
"Whatever bhikkhu, while the Pātimokkha is being recited every half-month, should say thus: 'Only now do I know: this rule, it seems, is handed down in the code, is contained in the code, and comes up for recitation every half-month' — if other bhikkhus should know concerning that bhikkhu, 'This bhikkhu has sat present before, on two or three occasions while the Pātimokkha was being recited — what more need be said?' — then there is no release for that bhikkhu on the ground of ignorance; whatever offense he has fallen into therein, he is to be dealt with according to the rule; and, further, [a charge of] delusion is to be laid upon him: 'Friend, it is a loss for you, it is ill-gained by you, that while the Pātimokkha is being recited you do not attend properly, valuing it and applying the mind.' This, for that act of feigning delusion, is a pācittiya."
# 1 The Burmese (Ma.) and European (Yu.) editions read "vadanti." Likewise below.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.