[96] Now at that time bhikkhus, saying, "We are of ten years' standing, we are of ten years' standing," though foolish and incompetent, gave dependence (nissaya). Teachers were seen who were foolish while their pupils (antevāsika) were wise; teachers were seen who were incompetent while their pupils were competent; teachers were seen who were of little learning while their pupils were of great learning; teachers were seen who were of poor wisdom while their pupils were endowed with wisdom.
Those bhikkhus who were of few wishes … criticized, complained, and spread it about, saying: "How can bhikkhus, saying, 'We are of ten years' standing, we are of ten years' standing,' though foolish and incompetent, give dependence? Teachers are seen who are foolish while their pupils are wise; teachers are seen who are incompetent while their pupils are competent; teachers are seen who are of little learning while their pupils are of great learning; teachers are seen who are of poor wisdom while their pupils are endowed with wisdom." Then those bhikkhus reported this matter to the Blessed One.
"Is it true, as they say, bhikkhus, that bhikkhus, saying, 'We are of ten years' standing, we are of ten years' standing,' though foolish and incompetent, give dependence; that teachers are seen who are foolish … while their pupils are endowed with wisdom?"
"It is true, Blessed One."
The Buddha, the Blessed One, rebuked them … Having rebuked them and given a talk on the Dhamma, he addressed the bhikkhus: "Bhikkhus, dependence should not be given by one who is foolish and incompetent. Whoever should give it commits an offense of wrongdoing (dukkaṭa). I allow, bhikkhus, dependence to be given by a competent, capable bhikkhu of ten years' standing or of more than ten years' standing."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.