Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
by T. W. Rhys Davids | 1881 | 156,382 words
The Mahavagga (part of the Vinaya collection) includes accounts of Gautama Buddha’s and the ten principal disciples’ awakenings, as well as rules for ordination, rules for reciting the Patimokkha during uposatha days, and various monastic procedures....
Mahavagga, Khandaka 2, Chapter 19
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 Pātimokkha 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.”