[226] Then the Blessed One addressed the bhikkhus: "Bhikkhus, it seems these foolish men (moghapurisā), having spent the rains uncomfortably, claim: 'We have spent the rains comfortably.' It seems, bhikkhus, these foolish men, having spent the rains dwelling together like cattle, claim: 'We have spent the rains comfortably.' It seems, bhikkhus, these foolish men, having spent the rains dwelling together like sheep, claim: 'We have spent the rains comfortably.' It seems, bhikkhus, these foolish men, having spent the rains dwelling together like the heedless, claim: 'We have spent the rains comfortably.' How indeed, bhikkhus, could these foolish men undertake the vow of dumbness (mūgabbata), an observance of the sectarians (titthiyasamādāna)? This, bhikkhus, does not conduce to the confidence of those without confidence …" Having rebuked them and given a Dhamma talk, he addressed the bhikkhus: "Bhikkhus, the vow of dumbness, an observance of the sectarians, is not to be undertaken. Whoever should undertake it commits an offense of wrong-doing (dukkaṭa).
"Bhikkhus, I allow bhikkhus who have completed the rains residence (vassa) to give invitation (pavāraṇā) in respect of three grounds: with regard to what has been seen, what has been heard, or what is suspected. That will be for you a means of mutual accommodation, a means of rising up from offenses, and a means of giving precedence to the Vinaya.
"And thus, bhikkhus, should the invitation be given. The Saṅgha should be informed by a competent and capable bhikkhu: 'Venerable sirs, let the Saṅgha hear me. Today is the invitation. If it is the proper time for the Saṅgha, let the Saṅgha give invitation.'
"An elder bhikkhu, having arranged his upper robe over one shoulder, having sat down on his heels and raised his joined palms, should speak thus: 'Friends, I invite the Saṅgha, with regard to what has been seen, what has been heard, or what is suspected. Let the venerable ones speak to me out of compassion; seeing it, I shall make amends. A second time, friends, I invite the Saṅgha, with regard to what has been seen, what has been heard, or what is suspected. Let the venerable ones speak to me out of compassion; seeing it, I shall make amends. A third time, friends, I invite the Saṅgha, with regard to what has been seen, what has been heard, or what is suspected. Let the venerable ones speak to me out of compassion; seeing it, I shall make amends.'
"A junior bhikkhu, having arranged his upper robe over one shoulder, having sat down on his heels and raised his joined palms, should speak thus: 'Venerable sirs, I invite the Saṅgha, with regard to what has been seen, what has been heard, or what is suspected. Let the venerable ones speak to me out of compassion; seeing it, I shall make amends. A second time, venerable sirs, I invite the Saṅgha, with regard to what has been seen, what has been heard, or what is suspected. Let the venerable ones speak to me out of compassion; seeing it, I shall make amends. A third time, venerable sirs, I invite the Saṅgha, with regard to what has been seen, what has been heard, or what is suspected. Let the venerable ones speak to me out of compassion; seeing it, I shall make amends.'"
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.