[870] Origin at Sāvatthī (Sāvatthīnidānaṃ). Now at that time the group-of-six bhikkhus, having sat down on a low seat, taught the Dhamma to one seated on a high seat. Those bhikkhus who were of few wishes (appicchā) … They complained, criticized, and spread it about: "How can the group-of-six bhikkhus, having sat down on a low seat, teach the Dhamma to one seated on a high seat?" …
"Is it true, as is said, bhikkhus, that you, having sat down on a low seat, teach the Dhamma to one seated on a high seat?"
"It is true, Blessed One."
The Buddha, the Blessed One, rebuked them: "How can you, foolish men, having sat down on a low seat, teach the Dhamma to one seated on a high seat? This, foolish men, is not conducive to the confidence of those without confidence, nor to the increase of those who have confidence …" Having rebuked them and given a Dhamma talk, he addressed the bhikkhus.
[Footnote to the Pali text: 1. The Yu. (Burmese) edition reads "chamāya" ("on the ground").]
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.