Anupubbikathā

Vinayapiṭaka · Cūḷavagga (2) · Vol. 7 · Section 393

[393] Now at that time Devadatta, surrounded by a large assembly, was seated teaching the Dhamma. Devadatta saw Sāriputta and Moggallāna coming while still far off; having seen them, he addressed the bhikkhus: "See, bhikkhus, how well-proclaimed the Dhamma is by me — even Sāriputta and Moggallāna, the chief disciples of the ascetic Gotama, come into my presence, approving of my Dhamma." When this was said, Kokālika said this to Devadatta: "Friend Devadatta, do not place trust in Sāriputta and Moggallāna; Sāriputta and Moggallāna have evil wishes; they have come under the sway of evil wishes." "Enough, friend; they are welcome, since they approve of my Dhamma." Then Devadatta invited the Venerable Sāriputta with half of his seat: "Come, friend Sāriputta, sit here." "Enough, friend," said the Venerable Sāriputta, and taking another seat, he sat down to one side. The Venerable Mahāmoggallāna too, taking another seat, sat down to one side. Then Devadatta, having instructed, roused, inspired, and gladdened the bhikkhus with a Dhamma talk for much of the night, invited the Venerable Sāriputta: "Friend, the Saṅgha of bhikkhus is free from dullness and drowsiness (thīna-middha); friend Sāriputta, let a Dhamma talk to the bhikkhus occur to you. My back is aching; I shall stretch it out." "Very well, friend," the Venerable Sāriputta replied to Devadatta. Then Devadatta, having spread out his outer robe (saṅghāṭi) folded in four, lay down on his right side. And being tired, with mindfulness lost and not clearly comprehending, he fell asleep in but a moment.

English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.