[615] "In that case, venerable sir, let the Elder select the bhikkhus." Then the Venerable Mahākassapa selected five hundred arahants less one. The bhikkhus said this to the Venerable Mahākassapa: "Venerable sir, this Venerable Ānanda, although he is still a trainee (sekha), is incapable of going a wrong course (agati) out of desire, hatred, delusion, or fear; and much of the Dhamma and the Vinaya has been learned by him in the presence of the Blessed One. In that case, venerable sir, let the Elder select the Venerable Ānanda as well." Then the Venerable Mahākassapa selected the Venerable Ānanda as well.
Then it occurred to the elder bhikkhus: "Where, indeed, shall we recite together the Dhamma and the Vinaya?" Then it occurred to the elder bhikkhus: "Rājagaha has an extensive alms-resort and abundant lodgings. Suppose we, dwelling for the rains at Rājagaha, were to recite together the Dhamma and the Vinaya, and no other bhikkhus should enter upon the rains at Rājagaha."
Then the Venerable Mahākassapa informed the Saṅgha: "Friends, let the Saṅgha listen to me. If it is the right time for the Saṅgha, let the Saṅgha authorize these five hundred bhikkhus, dwelling for the rains at Rājagaha, to recite together the Dhamma and the Vinaya; and the rains should not be spent at Rājagaha by any other bhikkhus. This is the motion (ñatti).
"Friends, let the Saṅgha listen to me. The Saṅgha authorizes these five hundred bhikkhus, dwelling for the rains at Rājagaha, to recite together the Dhamma and the Vinaya; and the rains should not be spent at Rājagaha by any other bhikkhus. Whichever venerable one approves of the authorization of these five hundred bhikkhus, dwelling for the rains at Rājagaha, to recite together the Dhamma and the Vinaya, the rains not to be spent at Rājagaha by any other bhikkhus — let him be silent; whichever one does not approve — let him speak.
"These five hundred bhikkhus have been authorized by the Saṅgha, dwelling for the rains at Rājagaha, to recite together the Dhamma and the Vinaya; and the rains should not be spent at Rājagaha by any other bhikkhus. 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English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.