[85] Now at that time a certain brahmin approached the bhikkhus and asked for the going forth (pabbajjā). The bhikkhus did not wish to give him the going forth. Not obtaining the going forth among the bhikkhus, he became thin, wretched, of poor complexion, grown pale and sallow, his body overspread with veins.
The Blessed One saw that brahmin — thin, wretched, of poor complexion, grown pale and sallow, his body overspread with veins — and having seen him, he addressed the bhikkhus: "Bhikkhus, why is that brahmin thin, wretched, of poor complexion, grown pale and sallow, his body overspread with veins?"
"Venerable sir, that brahmin approached the bhikkhus and asked for the going forth. The bhikkhus did not wish to give him the going forth. Not obtaining the going forth among the bhikkhus, he has become thin, wretched, of poor complexion, grown pale and sallow, his body overspread with veins."
Then the Blessed One addressed the bhikkhus: "Bhikkhus, who remembers a service (adhikāra) done by that brahmin?"
When this was said, the venerable Sāriputta said to the Blessed One: "Venerable sir, I remember a service done by that brahmin."
"But what service done by that brahmin do you remember, Sāriputta?"
"Venerable sir, here in Rājagaha, as I was walking for alms, that brahmin caused a ladleful of almsfood to be given to me. This, venerable sir, is the service done by that brahmin that I remember."
"Good, good, Sāriputta. For good persons, Sāriputta, are grateful and thankful. Well then, Sāriputta, give that brahmin the going forth and the full ordination (upasampadā)."
"How, venerable sir, shall I give that brahmin the going forth and the full ordination?"
Then the Blessed One, having given a talk on the Dhamma with reference to that occasion, with reference to that incident, addressed the bhikkhus: "Bhikkhus, that full ordination by the three goings for refuge which I allowed — from this day forth I abolish it. I allow, bhikkhus, full ordination by a formal act with a motion as the fourth (ñatticatuttha kamma).
"And thus, bhikkhus, should one be given full ordination: the Saṅgha should be informed by a competent and capable bhikkhu:
"'Venerable sirs, let the Saṅgha hear me. This person named so-and-so is a candidate for full ordination under the venerable so-and-so. If it seems right to the Saṅgha, let the Saṅgha give full ordination to so-and-so, with the venerable so-and-so as preceptor (upajjhāya). This is the motion.
"'Venerable sirs, let the Saṅgha hear me. This person named so-and-so is a candidate for full ordination under the venerable so-and-so. The Saṅgha gives full ordination to so-and-so, with the venerable so-and-so as preceptor. Any venerable to whom the full ordination of so-and-so, with the venerable so-and-so as preceptor, is agreeable should remain silent; anyone to whom it is not agreeable should speak.
"'A second time I declare this matter. Venerable sirs, let the Saṅgha hear me. This person named so-and-so is a candidate for full ordination under the venerable so-and-so. The Saṅgha gives full ordination to so-and-so, with the venerable so-and-so as preceptor. Any venerable to whom the full ordination of so-and-so, with the venerable so-and-so as preceptor, is agreeable should remain silent; anyone to whom it is not agreeable should speak.
"'A third time I declare this matter. Venerable sirs, let the Saṅgha hear me. This person named so-and-so is a candidate for full ordination under the venerable so-and-so. The Saṅgha gives full ordination to so-and-so, with the venerable so-and-so as preceptor. Any venerable to whom the full ordination of so-and-so, with the venerable so-and-so as preceptor, is agreeable should remain silent; anyone to whom it is not agreeable should speak.
"'So-and-so has been given full ordination by the Saṅgha, with the venerable so-and-so as preceptor. It is agreeable to the Saṅgha; therefore it is silent. Thus I hold it.'"
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.