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264
MAHÂVAGGA.
II, 16, 1.
16.
1. At that time the Khabbaggiya Bhikkhus reproved for an offence a Bhikkhu who had not given them leave.
They told this thing to the Blessed One. *No Bhikkhu, O Bhikkhus, who has not given leave, may be reproved for an offence. He who reproves (such a Bhikkhu), commits a dukkata offence. I prescribe, O Bhikkhus, that you reprove (Bhikkhus) for an offence (only) after having asked for leave (by saying), “Give me leave, reverend brother, I wish to speak to you."
2. At that time clever Bhikkhus reproved the Khabbaggiya Bhikkhus for an offence after having asked for leave. The Khabbaggiya Bhikkhus conceived anger (towards those Bhikkhus), conceived discontent, and threatened them with blows.
They told this thing to the Blessed One.
'I prescribe, O Bhikkhus, that you are (not) to reprove (a Bhikkhu) for an offence, even if he has given leave, (without having weighed (with your mind) the person (concerned).'
3. At that time the Khabbaggiya Bhikkhus, who thought: 'Otherwise clever Bhikkhus might ask us for leave (and reprove us for an offence),' themselves asked beforehand pure Bhikkhus who had committed no offence, for leave without object and reason.
They told this thing to the Blessed One.
Let no pure Bhikkhus, O Bhikkhus, who have committed no offence, be asked for leave without object and reason. He who does, commits a dukkata offence. I prescribe, O Bhikkhus, that you
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