[364] Then the Blessed One addressed the bhikkhus: "Well then, bhikkhus, let the Saṅgha authorize Sāriputta to proclaim Devadatta in Rājagaha thus: 'Formerly Devadatta's nature was of one kind; now his nature is of another kind. Whatever Devadatta may do by body or by speech, neither the Buddha, nor the Dhamma, nor the Saṅgha should be seen therein; only Devadatta himself should be seen therein.'
And thus, bhikkhus, should he be authorized. First, Sāriputta should be asked. Having asked him, the Saṅgha should be informed by a competent and capable bhikkhu:
'Venerable sirs, let the Saṅgha listen to me. If it is the right time for the Saṅgha, let the Saṅgha authorize the Venerable Sāriputta to proclaim Devadatta in Rājagaha thus: "Formerly Devadatta's nature was of one kind; now his nature is of another kind. Whatever Devadatta may do by body or by speech, neither the Buddha, nor the Dhamma, nor the Saṅgha should be seen therein; only Devadatta himself should be seen therein." This is the motion.
Venerable sirs, let the Saṅgha listen to me. The Saṅgha authorizes the Venerable Sāriputta to proclaim Devadatta in Rājagaha thus: "Formerly Devadatta's nature was of one kind; now his nature is of another kind. Whatever Devadatta may do by body or by speech, neither the Buddha, nor the Dhamma, nor the Saṅgha should be seen therein; only Devadatta himself should be seen therein." Whichever venerable one approves of the authorization of the Venerable Sāriputta to proclaim Devadatta in Rājagaha thus—"Formerly Devadatta's nature was of one kind; now his nature is of another kind. Whatever Devadatta may do by body or by speech, neither the Buddha, nor the Dhamma, nor the Saṅgha should be seen therein; only Devadatta himself should be seen therein"—let him be silent; whoever does not approve, let him speak.
The Venerable Sāriputta has been authorized by the Saṅgha to proclaim Devadatta in Rājagaha thus: "Formerly Devadatta's nature was of one kind; now his nature is of another kind. Whatever Devadatta may do by body or by speech, neither the Buddha, nor the Dhamma, nor the Saṅgha should be seen therein; only Devadatta himself should be seen therein." 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English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.