Mahavogga 2.4

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

1. At that time the Bhikkhus, considering that the Pâtimokkha recitation had been instituted by the Blessed One, recited the Pâtimokkha every day.

They told this thing to the Blessed One.

'The Pâtimokkha, O Bhikkhus, is not to be recited every day. He who recites it (every day), commits a dukkata offence. I ordain, O Bhikkhus, to recite the Pâtimokkha on the Uposatha day.'

2. At that time the Bhikkhus, considering that it had been prescribed by the Blessed One to recite the Pâtimokkha on the Uposatha day, recited the Pâtimokkha three times each half month, on the fourteenth, fifteenth, and eighth day of each half month.

They told this thing to the Blessed One.

'The Pâtimokkha, O Bhikkhus, is not to be recited three times each half month. He who recites it (tnree times), commits a dukkata offence. I prescribe, O Bhikkhus, that you recite the Pâtimokkha once each half month, on the fourteenth or on the fifteenth day.'