[185] Now at that time, in a certain residence, on that uposatha day, four bhikkhus were dwelling. Then it occurred to those bhikkhus: "It has been laid down by the Blessed One that the uposatha is to be performed; and we are four persons. How then should the uposatha be performed by us?" They reported this matter to the Blessed One. "Bhikkhus, I allow the Pātimokkha to be recited by four."
Now at that time, in a certain residence, on that uposatha day, three bhikkhus were dwelling. Then it occurred to those bhikkhus: "It has been allowed by the Blessed One that the Pātimokkha be recited by four; and we are three persons. How then should the uposatha be performed by us?" They reported this matter to the Blessed One. "Bhikkhus, I allow three to perform with one another the uposatha of purity (pārisuddhi-uposatha). And thus, bhikkhus, should it be performed:
Those bhikkhus should be informed by a competent, capable bhikkhu: 'Let the venerable ones listen to me. Today is the uposatha, the fifteenth. If it is fitting for the venerable ones, let us perform with one another the uposatha of purity.'
The elder bhikkhu, having arranged his upper robe over one shoulder, having sat down on his heels, having raised his joined palms, should address those bhikkhus thus: 'I am pure, friends; remember me as one who is pure. I am pure, friends; remember me as one who is pure. I am pure, friends; remember me as one who is pure.'
The junior bhikkhu, having arranged his upper robe over one shoulder, having sat down on his heels, having raised his joined palms, should address those bhikkhus thus: 'I am pure, venerable sirs; remember me as one who is pure. I am pure, venerable sirs; remember me as one who is pure. I am pure, venerable sirs; remember me as one who is pure.'"
Now at that time, in a certain residence, on that uposatha day, two bhikkhus were dwelling. Then it occurred to those bhikkhus: "It has been allowed by the Blessed One that the Pātimokkha be recited by four, that the uposatha of purity be performed by three with one another; and we are two persons. How then should the uposatha be performed by us?" They reported this matter to the Blessed One. "Bhikkhus, I allow two to perform the uposatha of purity. And thus, bhikkhus, should it be performed:
The elder bhikkhu, having arranged his upper robe over one shoulder, having sat down on his heels, having raised his joined palms, should address the junior bhikkhu thus: 'I am pure, friend; remember me as one who is pure. I am pure, friend; remember me as one who is pure. I am pure, friend; remember me as one who is pure.'
The junior bhikkhu, having arranged his upper robe over one shoulder, having sat down on his heels, having raised his joined palms, should address the elder bhikkhu thus: 'I am pure, venerable sir; may you remember me as one who is pure. I am pure, venerable sir; may you remember me as one who is pure. I am pure, venerable sir; may you remember me as one who is pure.'"
Now at that time, in a certain residence, on that uposatha day, a single bhikkhu was dwelling. Then it occurred to that bhikkhu: "It has been allowed by the Blessed One that the Pātimokkha be recited by four, that the uposatha of purity be performed by three with one another, that the uposatha of purity be performed by two; and I am alone. How then should the uposatha be performed by me?" They reported this matter to the Blessed One. "Here, bhikkhus, in a certain residence, on that uposatha day, a single bhikkhu is dwelling. Bhikkhus, that bhikkhu, having swept the place where bhikkhus resort — whether an attendance hall, a pavilion, or the root of a tree — having set out drinking water and water for use, having prepared a seat, having made a lamp, should sit down. If other bhikkhus arrive, the uposatha should be performed together with them; if they do not arrive, he should make the determination: 'Today is my uposatha.' If he should not make the determination, there is an offense of wrongdoing (dukkaṭa).
Herein, bhikkhus, where four bhikkhus are dwelling, the purity of one should not be conveyed and the Pātimokkha recited by three; if they should recite it, there is an offense of wrongdoing. Herein, bhikkhus, where three bhikkhus are dwelling, the purity of one should not be conveyed and the uposatha of purity performed by two; if they should perform it, there is an offense of wrongdoing. Herein, bhikkhus, where two bhikkhus are dwelling, the purity of one should not be conveyed and the determination made by one; if he should make the determination, there is an offense of wrongdoing."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.