[597] Then the Blessed One, on account of that matter, in that connection, had the Saṅgha of bhikkhus assembled and questioned the Venerable Dabba Mallaputta: "Do you recall, Dabba, having done such a thing as this bhikkhunī says?"
"As the Blessed One knows me, venerable sir."
A second time the Blessed One … A third time the Blessed One said this to the Venerable Dabba Mallaputta: "Do you recall, Dabba, having done such a thing as this bhikkhunī says?"
"As the Blessed One knows me, venerable sir."
"Dabba, the capable (dabbā) do not clear themselves in this way. If it was done by you, say 'it was done'; if it was not done, say 'it was not done.'"
"Venerable sir, since I was born I am not aware of having engaged in sexual intercourse even in a dream, let alone while awake."
Then the Blessed One addressed the bhikkhus: "Well then, bhikkhus, expel the bhikkhunī Mettiyā, and interrogate these bhikkhus." Having said this, the Blessed One rose from his seat and entered the dwelling. Then those bhikkhus expelled the bhikkhunī Mettiyā.
Then the Mettiya-Bhummajaka bhikkhus said this to those bhikkhus: "Friends, do not expel the bhikkhunī Mettiyā. She has done no wrong. She was instigated by us — angry, displeased, and desiring to bring about [his] fall."
"But then, friends, did you charge the Venerable Dabba Mallaputta with a groundless failure in virtue (sīlavipatti)?"
"It is so, friends."
Those bhikkhus who were of few wishes … criticized, denounced, and complained: "How can the Mettiya-Bhummajaka bhikkhus charge the Venerable Dabba Mallaputta with a groundless failure in virtue?" Then those bhikkhus reported this matter to the Blessed One.
"Is it true, as they say, bhikkhus, that the Mettiya-Bhummajaka bhikkhus charged Dabba Mallaputta with a groundless failure in virtue?"
"It is true, Blessed One." … Having rebuked them and given a talk on the Dhamma, he addressed the bhikkhus: "Well then, bhikkhus, let the Saṅgha give a verdict of recollection (sativinaya) to Dabba Mallaputta, who has attained the fullness of mindfulness. And thus, bhikkhus, should it be given: That Dabba Mallaputta, bhikkhus, having approached the Saṅgha, having arranged his upper robe over one shoulder, having paid homage at the feet of the senior bhikkhus, having sat down on his haunches and raised his joined palms, should speak thus: 'Venerable sirs, these Mettiya-Bhummajaka bhikkhus charge me with a groundless failure in virtue. I, venerable sirs, having attained the fullness of mindfulness, request a verdict of recollection from the Saṅgha.' It should be requested a second time; it should be requested a third time: 'Venerable sirs, these Mettiya-Bhummajaka bhikkhus charge me with a groundless failure in virtue. I, having attained the fullness of mindfulness, for the third time, venerable sirs, request a verdict of recollection from the Saṅgha.'"
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.