[788] At that time the Buddha, the Blessed One, was dwelling at Sāvatthī, in the Jetavana, Anāthapiṇḍika's monastery. Now at that time in Sāvatthī there was a certain family confident on both sides: it was growing in faith (saddhā) but declining in wealth. Whatever hard food or soft food arose in that family before the morning meal, they gave it all away to the bhikkhus, and sometimes they themselves went without eating. People criticized, complained, and spread it about, saying: "How can the ascetics, sons of the Sakyan, accept without knowing moderation? These people, having given to them, sometimes themselves go without eating." The bhikkhus heard those people criticizing, complaining, and spreading it about. Then those bhikkhus reported this matter to the Blessed One.
Then the Blessed One, on that occasion and in that connection, having given a talk on the Dhamma, addressed the bhikkhus: "Bhikkhus, when a family is growing in faith but declining in wealth, I allow the in-training designation (sekkhasammati) to be given to such a family by an act consisting of a motion and one announcement (ñattidutiya-kamma). And thus, bhikkhus, should it be given: the Saṅgha should be informed by a competent and capable bhikkhu:
"'Venerable sirs, let the Saṅgha hear me. The family of such-and-such a name is growing in faith but declining in wealth. If it is the right time for the Saṅgha, let the Saṅgha give the in-training designation to the family of such-and-such a name. This is the motion (ñatti).
"'Venerable sirs, let the Saṅgha hear me. The family of such-and-such a name is growing in faith but declining in wealth. The Saṅgha gives the in-training designation to the family of such-and-such a name. Whichever venerable one approves of the giving of the in-training designation to the family of such-and-such a name should remain silent; whoever does not approve should speak.
"'The in-training designation has been given by the Saṅgha to the family of such-and-such a name. The Saṅgha approves; therefore it is silent. Thus do I hold it.'
"And thus, bhikkhus, should you recite this training rule (sikkhāpada):
"Now, there are families that have been designated as in-training. Should any bhikkhu, having received with his own hand hard food or soft food in such families designated as in-training, chew it or eat it, it must be acknowledged by that bhikkhu: 'Friend, I have committed a blameworthy act, unsuitable, which ought to be acknowledged (pāṭidesanīya); I acknowledge it.'"
And thus this training rule was laid down by the Blessed One for the bhikkhus.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.