[233] Now at that time, in a certain residence (āvāsa), on the day of the invitation (pavāraṇā), several resident bhikkhus gathered — five or more. They did not know that there were other resident bhikkhus who had not arrived. Perceiving it as Dhamma, perceiving it as Vinaya, being incomplete yet perceiving themselves as complete, they carried out the invitation. While they were carrying out the invitation, then other resident bhikkhus arrived, more numerous. They reported this matter to the Blessed One.
"Bhikkhus, here in a certain residence, on the day of the invitation, several resident bhikkhus gather — five or more. They do not know that there are other resident bhikkhus who have not arrived. Perceiving it as Dhamma, perceiving it as Vinaya, being incomplete yet perceiving themselves as complete, they carry out the invitation. While they are carrying out the invitation, then other resident bhikkhus arrive, more numerous. Bhikkhus, those bhikkhus should carry out the invitation again; for those who have invited, there is no offence (āpatti).
"Bhikkhus, here in a certain residence, on the day of the invitation, several resident bhikkhus gather — five or more. They do not know that there are other resident bhikkhus who have not arrived. Perceiving it as Dhamma, perceiving it as Vinaya, being incomplete yet perceiving themselves as complete, they carry out the invitation. While they are carrying out the invitation, then other resident bhikkhus arrive, equal in number. Those who have invited have well invited; the remainder should carry out the invitation; for those who have invited, there is no offence.
"Bhikkhus, here in a certain residence, on the day of the invitation, several resident bhikkhus gather — five or more. They do not know that there are other resident bhikkhus who have not arrived. Perceiving it as Dhamma, perceiving it as Vinaya, being incomplete yet perceiving themselves as complete, they carry out the invitation. While they are carrying out the invitation, then other resident bhikkhus arrive, fewer in number. Those who have invited have well invited; the remainder should carry out the invitation; for those who have invited, there is no offence.
"Bhikkhus, here in a certain residence, on the day of the invitation, several resident bhikkhus gather — five or more. They do not know that there are other resident bhikkhus who have not arrived. Perceiving it as Dhamma, perceiving it as Vinaya, being incomplete yet perceiving themselves as complete, they carry out the invitation. When they have just finished inviting, then other resident bhikkhus arrive, more numerous. Bhikkhus, those bhikkhus should carry out the invitation again; for those who have invited, there is no offence. … Then other resident bhikkhus arrive, equal in number. Those who have invited have well invited; the invitation should be carried out in their presence; for those who have invited, there is no offence. … Then other resident bhikkhus arrive, fewer in number. Those who have invited have well invited; the invitation should be carried out in their presence; for those who have invited, there is no offence.
"Bhikkhus, here in a certain residence, on the day of the invitation, several resident bhikkhus gather — five or more. They do not know that there are other resident bhikkhus who have not arrived. Perceiving it as Dhamma, perceiving it as Vinaya, being incomplete yet perceiving themselves as complete, they carry out the invitation. When they have just finished inviting, the assembly not having risen, then other resident bhikkhus arrive, more numerous. Bhikkhus, those bhikkhus should carry out the invitation again; for those who have invited, there is no offence. … Then other resident bhikkhus arrive, equal in number … fewer in number. Those who have invited have well invited; the invitation should be carried out in their presence; for those who have invited, there is no offence.
"Bhikkhus, here in a certain residence, on the day of the invitation, several resident bhikkhus gather — five or more. They do not know that there are other resident bhikkhus who have not arrived. Perceiving it as Dhamma, perceiving it as Vinaya, being incomplete yet perceiving themselves as complete, they carry out the invitation. When they have just finished inviting, part of the assembly having risen, then other resident bhikkhus arrive, more numerous. Bhikkhus, those bhikkhus should carry out the invitation again; for those who have invited, there is no offence. … Then other resident bhikkhus arrive, equal in number … fewer in number. Those who have invited have well invited; the invitation should be carried out in their presence; for those who have invited, there is no offence.
"Bhikkhus, here in a certain residence, on the day of the invitation, several resident bhikkhus gather — five or more. They do not know that there are other resident bhikkhus who have not arrived. Perceiving it as Dhamma, perceiving it as Vinaya, being incomplete yet perceiving themselves as complete, they carry out the invitation. When they have just finished inviting, the whole assembly having risen, then other resident bhikkhus arrive, more numerous. Bhikkhus, those bhikkhus should carry out the invitation again; for those who have invited, there is no offence. … Then other resident bhikkhus arrive, equal in number … fewer in number. Those who have invited have well invited; the invitation should be carried out in their presence; for those who have invited, there is no offence."
The Fifteen Cases of No Offence is finished.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.