[153] Now at that time the Venerable Mahākappina was dwelling at Rājagaha, in the Deer Park at Maddakucchi. Then, as the Venerable Mahākappina was alone in seclusion, this reflection arose in his mind: "Should I go to the Uposatha, or should I not go? Should I go to the formal act of the Saṅgha (saṅghakamma), or should I not go? For indeed I am purified with the highest purity."
Then the Blessed One, having known with his own mind the reflection in the Venerable Mahākappina's mind — just as a strong man might extend his bent arm or bend his extended arm — vanished from Mount Gijjhakūṭa and appeared before the Venerable Mahākappina in the Deer Park at Maddakucchi. The Blessed One sat down on the seat that had been prepared. And the Venerable Mahākappina, having paid homage to the Blessed One, sat down to one side.
As the Venerable Mahākappina was seated to one side, the Blessed One said this to him: "Kappina, as you were alone in seclusion, did not this reflection arise in your mind: 'Should I go to the Uposatha, or should I not go? Should I go to the formal act of the Saṅgha, or should I not go? For indeed I am purified with the highest purity'?"
"So it is, venerable sir."
"If you brahmins will not honor, respect, esteem, and venerate the Uposatha, then who indeed will honor, respect, esteem, and venerate the Uposatha? Go, brahmin, to the Uposatha; do not fail to go. Go likewise to the formal act of the Saṅgha; do not fail to go."
"So be it, venerable sir," the Venerable Mahākappina replied to the Blessed One.
Then the Blessed One, having instructed, exhorted, inspired, and gladdened the Venerable Mahākappina with a talk on the Dhamma — just as a strong man might extend his bent arm or bend his extended arm — vanished from before the Venerable Mahākappina in the Deer Park at Maddakucchi and appeared on Mount Gijjhakūṭa.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.