Mahavogga 2.19

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

At that time Bhikkhus who did not know that it was Uposatha day, went for alms to a distant village. They came back when the Pâtimokkha was being recited, or when it just had been recited.

They told this thing to the Blessed One.

'I prescribe, O Bhikkhus,that you proclaim: "To-day is Uposatha."'

Now the Bhikkhus thought: 'Who is to proclaim so?'

They told this thing to the Blessed One.

'I prescribe, O Bhikkhus, that the Thera is to proclaim (the day of Uposatha) in due time.'

At that time a certain Thera did not think of it in due time.

They told this thing to the Blessed One.

'I allow you, O Bhikkhus, to proclaim it also at meal time.'

(The Thera) did not think of it at meal time either.

They told this thing to the Blessed One.

'I allow, O Bhikkhus, to proclaim it whenever (the Thera) thinks of it.'