[146] Now at that time robe-cloth had accumulated in the Saṅgha's storeroom. They reported this matter to the Blessed One. "Bhikkhus, I allow it to be distributed by the Saṅgha being present together."
Now at that time the entire Saṅgha, while distributing the robe-cloth, made an uproar. They reported this matter to the Blessed One. "Bhikkhus, I allow a bhikkhu endowed with five qualities to be appointed as distributor of robe-cloth (cīvarabhājaka): one who would not go astray through partiality, would not go astray through hatred, would not go astray through delusion, would not go astray through fear, and who would know what has been distributed and what has not been distributed.
"And thus, bhikkhus, should he be appointed: first the bhikkhu should be asked; having asked him, the Saṅgha should be informed by a competent and capable bhikkhu: 'Venerable sirs, let the Saṅgha hear me. If it is the proper time for the Saṅgha, let the Saṅgha appoint the bhikkhu named so-and-so as distributor of robe-cloth. This is the motion. Venerable sirs, let the Saṅgha hear me. The Saṅgha appoints the bhikkhu named so-and-so as distributor of robe-cloth. If the appointment of the bhikkhu named so-and-so as distributor of robe-cloth is agreeable to any venerable one, let him remain silent; if it is not agreeable to anyone, let him speak. The bhikkhu named so-and-so has been appointed by the Saṅgha as distributor of robe-cloth. It is agreeable to the Saṅgha; therefore it is silent. Thus do I hold it.'"
Then it occurred to the bhikkhus who were distributors of robe-cloth: "How, indeed, should the robe-cloth be distributed?" They reported this matter to the Blessed One. "Bhikkhus, I allow you first to sort it, to appraise it, to even out the fine and the inferior, to count the bhikkhus, to bind them into groups, and to set out the portions of robe-cloth."
Then it occurred to the bhikkhus who were distributors of robe-cloth: "How, indeed, should a portion of robe-cloth be given to sāmaṇeras?" They reported this matter to the Blessed One. "Bhikkhus, I allow a half-portion to be given to sāmaṇeras."
Now at that time a certain bhikkhu wished to depart with his own share. They reported this matter to the Blessed One. "Bhikkhus, I allow his own share to be given to one who is departing."
Now at that time a certain bhikkhu wished to depart with an extra share. They reported this matter to the Blessed One. "Bhikkhus, I allow an extra share to be given when compensation (anukkhepa) has been given."
Then it occurred to the bhikkhus who were distributors of robe-cloth: "How, indeed, should the portion of robe-cloth be given — in order of arrival, or according to seniority?" They reported this matter to the Blessed One. "Bhikkhus, I allow you, having given satisfaction regarding the deficient portions, to cast lots with kusa grass."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.