[644] Then, while the Venerable Sāḷha was alone in seclusion, this reflection arose in his mind: "Which bhikkhus, indeed, are speakers of Dhamma (dhammavādī) — the eastern bhikkhus or the Pāṭheyyaka bhikkhus?" Then, as the Venerable Sāḷha was reviewing the Dhamma and the Vinaya, it occurred to him: "The eastern bhikkhus are speakers contrary to Dhamma (adhammavādī); the Pāṭheyyaka bhikkhus are speakers of Dhamma."
Then a certain deity belonging to the host of the Pure Abodes (Suddhāvāsa), knowing with her own mind the reflection in the Venerable Sāḷha's mind — just as a strong man might extend his bent arm or bend his extended arm — vanished from among the devas of the Pure Abodes and appeared before the Venerable Sāḷha. Then that deity said to the Venerable Sāḷha: "Good, good, venerable Sāḷha! The eastern bhikkhus are speakers contrary to Dhamma; the Pāṭheyyaka bhikkhus are speakers of Dhamma. Well then, venerable Sāḷha, stand firm just as the Dhamma is."
"Both formerly, deity, and now I have stood just as the Dhamma is; however, I do not yet make my view known. Perhaps they may appoint me in this legal issue (adhikaraṇa)."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.