Mahavogga 3.4

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Translated from the Pâli by T. W. Rhys Davids and Hermann Oldenberg

1. At that time the Khabbaggiya Bhikkhus were not willing to enter upon Vassâ.

They told this thing to the Blessed One.

'Let no one, O Bhikkhus, forbear to enter upon Vassa. He who does not enter upon Vassa, commits a dukkata offence.'

2. At that time the Khabbaggiya Bhikkhus, who were not willing to enter upon Vassa on the prescribed day, purposely left the district (where they were living).

They told this thing to the Blessed One.

'Let no one, O Bhikkhus, purposely leave the district (where he is living), because he is not willing to enter upon Vassa on the prescribed day. He who does, commits a dukkata offence.'

3. At that time the Magadha king Seniya Bimbisâra, who wished that the Vassa period might be postponed, sent a messenger to the Bhikkhus: 'What if their reverences were to enter upon Vassa on the next full moon day?'

They told this thing to the Blessed One.

'I prescribe, O Bhikkhus, that you obey kings.'