Pavāraṇākkhandhaka

Vinayapiṭaka · Mahāvagga (1) · Vol. 4 · Section 236

[236] Bhikkhus, here in a certain residence, on the day of the Invitation (Pavāraṇā), several resident bhikkhus assemble — five or more. They know: "There are other resident bhikkhus who have not come." Overcome by scruples (kukkuccapakatā), thinking, "It is indeed allowable for us to hold the Invitation; it is not unallowable for us," they hold the Invitation. While they are holding the Invitation, then other resident bhikkhus arrive, greater in number. Bhikkhus, those bhikkhus must hold the Invitation again; for those who have (already) made the invitation, there is an offence of wrong-doing (dukkaṭa). … Then other resident bhikkhus arrive, exactly equal in number … fewer in number. Those who have made the invitation are well invited; the remainder should make the invitation; for those who have (already) made the invitation, there is an offence of wrong-doing. Here again, bhikkhus, in a certain residence, on the day of the Invitation, several resident bhikkhus assemble — five or more. They know: "There are other resident bhikkhus who have not come." Overcome by scruples, thinking, "It is indeed allowable for us to hold the Invitation; it is not unallowable for us," they hold the Invitation. When they have just completed the invitation … while the assembly has not risen, while part of the assembly has risen, while the whole assembly has risen, then other resident bhikkhus arrive, greater in number … exactly equal in number … fewer in number. Those who have made the invitation are well invited; (the newcomers) should make the invitation in their presence; for those who have (already) made the invitation, there is an offence of wrong-doing. The Fifteen Cases of Those Overcome by Scruples is finished.

English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.

This passage also appears in 5 other places