[154] Then it occurred to the bhikkhus: "It has been laid down by the Blessed One that unity extends only so far as a single residence. Now, how far does a single residence extend?" They reported this matter to the Blessed One.
"Bhikkhus, I allow you to authorize a boundary (sīmā). And thus, bhikkhus, should it be authorized: first the markers (nimitta) should be announced — a mountain marker, a rock marker, a forest marker, a tree marker, a road marker, an anthill marker, a river marker, a water marker. Having announced the markers, a competent and capable bhikkhu should inform the Saṅgha:
"'Venerable sirs, let the Saṅgha listen to me. As far as the markers have been announced all around — if it seems fitting to the Saṅgha, let the Saṅgha authorize, by these markers, a boundary of common communion and of a single Uposatha. This is the motion (ñatti).
"'Venerable sirs, let the Saṅgha listen to me. As far as the markers have been announced all around, the Saṅgha authorizes, by these markers, a boundary of common communion and of a single Uposatha. Whichever venerable one approves of the authorization, by these markers, of the boundary of common communion and of a single Uposatha, let him be silent; whoever does not approve, let him speak.
"'The boundary of common communion and of a single Uposatha has been authorized by the Saṅgha by these markers. It is agreeable to the Saṅgha; therefore it is silent. Thus do I hold it.'"
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.