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278
MAHÂVAGGA.
II, 24, 1.
24. I. At that time relations of a certain Bhikkhu seized him on the day of Uposatha.
They told this thing to the Blessed One.
'In case, O Bhikkhus, a certain Bhikkhu is seized on the day of Uposatha by relations of his, let the Bhikkhus say to those relations: “Pray, friends, let this Bhikkhu free for a moment until this Bhikkhu has held Uposatha."
2. If they succeed in this way, well and good. If they do not succeed, let the Bhikkhus say to those relations: “ Pray, friends, stand apart for a moment, until this Bhikkhu has declared his pârisuddhi.” If they succeed, well and good. If they do not succeed, let the Bhikkhus say to those relations : “ Pray, friends, take this Bhikkhu for a moment outside the boundary, until the Samgha has held U posatha." If they succeed, well and good. If they do not succeed, in no case is Uposatha to be held by an assembly that is incomplete. Should it be so held, (each Bhikkhu in the assembly) is guilty of a dukkata offence.
3. 'In case, O Bhikkhus, a certain Bhikkhu is seized on the day of Uposatha by kings, by robbers, by rascals, by hostile Bhikkhus, &c. 1'
25.
1. Then the Blessed One thus addressed the Bhikkhus : 'Assemble, O Bhikkhus, the Samgha
1 See $$ 1, 2.
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