Mahavogga 1.55

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Translated from the Pâli by T. W. Rhys Davids and Hermann Oldenberg (1881)

Then the Blessed One, after having resided at Kapilavatthu as long as he thought fit, went forth to Sâvatthi. Wandering from place to place he came to Sâvatthi. There the Blessed One dwelt at Sâvatthi, in the Getavana, the Ârâma of Anâthapindika.

At that time a family who devoted themselves to the (especial) service of the venerable Sâriputta sent a boy to the venerable Sâriputta (with this message): 'Might the Thera confer the pabbaggâ ordination on this boy.' Now the venerable Sâriputta thought: 'The Blessed One has established the rule that no one may ordain two novices, and I have already one novice, Râhula. Now what am I to do?' He told the thing to the Blessed One.

'I allow, O Bhikkhus, a learned, competent Bhikkhu to ordain two novices, or to ordain as many novices as he is able to administer exhortation and instruction to.'