[44] Then the Blessed One, on that account and in that connection, had the Saṅgha of bhikkhus convened and questioned the bhikkhus: "Is it true, bhikkhus, as is said, that the bhikkhu Seyyasaka is foolish, incompetent, full of offenses, with no end to his offenses (anapadāna), and lives in company with householders, in unsuitable associations with householders — so much so that the bhikkhus of regular standing (pakatatta) are kept busy granting him probation (parivāsa), sending him back to the beginning (mūlāya paṭikassanā), granting him penance (mānatta), and rehabilitating him (abbhāna)?"
"It is true, Blessed One."
The Awakened One, the Blessed One, rebuked him: "Bhikkhus, it is unfitting for that foolish man, unsuitable, improper, unworthy of an ascetic, not allowable, not to be done. How indeed, bhikkhus, can that foolish man be foolish, incompetent, full of offenses, with no end to his offenses, and live in company with householders, in unsuitable associations with householders — so much so that the bhikkhus of regular standing are kept busy granting him probation, sending him back to the beginning, granting him penance, and rehabilitating him? This, bhikkhus, is not for the arousing of confidence in those without confidence, nor for the increase of confidence in those who have it …" Having rebuked him and given a talk on the Dhamma, he addressed the bhikkhus: "Well then, bhikkhus, let the Saṅgha carry out a legal act of demotion (niyassakamma) against the bhikkhu Seyyasaka: 'You must live in dependence (nissaya).'
"And thus, bhikkhus, should it be done. First the bhikkhu Seyyasaka should be accused; having accused him, he should be made to remember; having made him remember, he should be charged with the offense; having charged him with the offense, a competent and capable bhikkhu should inform the Saṅgha:
"'Venerable sirs, let the Saṅgha listen to me. This bhikkhu Seyyasaka is foolish, incompetent, full of offenses, with no end to his offenses, and lives in company with householders, in unsuitable associations with householders — so much so that the bhikkhus of regular standing are kept busy granting him probation, sending him back to the beginning, granting him penance, and rehabilitating him. If it seems fitting to the Saṅgha, the Saṅgha should carry out an act of demotion against the bhikkhu Seyyasaka: "You must live in dependence." This is the motion (ñatti).
"'Venerable sirs, let the Saṅgha listen to me. This bhikkhu Seyyasaka is foolish, incompetent, full of offenses, with no end to his offenses, and lives in company with householders, in unsuitable associations with householders — so much so that the bhikkhus of regular standing are kept busy granting him probation, sending him back to the beginning, granting him penance, and rehabilitating him. The Saṅgha carries out the act of demotion against the bhikkhu Seyyasaka: "You must live in dependence." Whichever venerable one approves of the carrying out of the act of demotion against the bhikkhu Seyyasaka — "You must live in dependence" — should remain silent; whoever does not approve should speak.
"'For the second time I speak on this matter. Venerable sirs, let the Saṅgha listen to me. This bhikkhu Seyyasaka is foolish, incompetent, full of offenses, with no end to his offenses, and lives in company with householders, in unsuitable associations with householders — so much so that the bhikkhus of regular standing are kept busy granting him probation, sending him back to the beginning, granting him penance, and rehabilitating him. The Saṅgha carries out the act of demotion against the bhikkhu Seyyasaka: "You must live in dependence." Whichever venerable one approves of the carrying out of the act of demotion against the bhikkhu Seyyasaka — "You must live in dependence" — should remain silent; whoever does not approve should speak.
"'For the third time I speak on this matter. Venerable sirs, let the Saṅgha listen to me … he should remain silent; whoever does not approve should speak.
"'The act of demotion has been carried out by the Saṅgha against the bhikkhu Seyyasaka: "You must live in dependence." The Saṅgha approves; therefore it is silent. Thus do I hold it.'"
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.