[382] Now at that time Devadatta, whose gain and honor had declined, together with his following, ate his meals having repeatedly begged for them among families. People complained, criticized, and spread it about: "How can the ascetics, sons of the Sakyan, eat having repeatedly begged among families? To whom is well-prepared food not pleasing? To whom is delicious food not agreeable?"
Bhikkhus heard those people complaining, criticizing, and spreading it about. Those bhikkhus who were of few wishes … they complained, criticized, and spread it about: "How can Devadatta together with his following eat having repeatedly begged among families?" They reported this matter to the Blessed One. … "Is it true, Devadatta, that you together with your following eat having repeatedly begged among families?" "It is true, Blessed One." … Having rebuked him and given a talk on the Dhamma, he addressed the bhikkhus: "Well then, bhikkhus, I shall lay down for bhikkhus [a rule permitting only] a meal in a group of three (tikabhojana) among families, on account of three reasons: for the restraint of ill-behaved persons, for the comfortable dwelling of well-behaved bhikkhus, [thinking,] 'May not bhikkhus of evil desires, relying on a faction, split the Saṅgha,' and out of compassion for families. In the case of a group meal (gaṇabhojana), [the offender] should be dealt with according to the rule."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.