[253] At that time the Buddha, the Blessed One, was dwelling at Sāvatthī, in the Jeta Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's monastery. Now at that time a dwelling (vihāra) had been caused to be built by a certain lay follower (upāsaka), dedicated to the Saṅgha. At the festival for that dwelling he wished to give out-of-season robe-cloth (akālacīvara) to both Saṅghas. Now at that time the kaṭhina had been spread for both Saṅghas. Then that lay follower approached the Saṅgha and requested the withdrawal of the kaṭhina. They reported this matter to the Blessed One.
Then the Blessed One, having given a talk on the Dhamma with reference to that origin, with reference to that occasion, addressed the bhikkhus: "Bhikkhus, I allow the kaṭhina to be withdrawn. And thus, bhikkhus, should the kaṭhina be withdrawn. The Saṅgha should be informed by a competent and capable bhikkhu:
"'Venerable sirs, let the Saṅgha listen to me. If it seems right to the Saṅgha, let the Saṅgha withdraw the kaṭhina. This is the motion (ñatti).
"'Venerable sirs, let the Saṅgha listen to me. The Saṅgha withdraws the kaṭhina. Any venerable one to whom the withdrawal of the kaṭhina is agreeable should remain silent; any to whom it is not agreeable should speak.
"'The kaṭhina has been withdrawn by the Saṅgha. It is agreeable to the Saṅgha; therefore it is silent. Thus I hold it.'"
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.