The story of the ignorant and inexperienced

^Kd.1.35.1 Now at that time ignorant, inexperienced monks, gave guidance, thinking: “We are of ten years’ standing, we are of ten years’ standing.” (So that) there were to be found ignorant teachers, wise pupils; inexperienced teachers, experienced pupils; teachers who had heard little, pupils who had heard much; teachers of poor intelligence, intelligent pupils. Those who were modest monks ^Vin.1.62 … spread it about, saying:“How can these ignorant inexperienced monks give guidance, thinking: ‘We are of ten years’ standing, we are of ten years’ standing’? (So that) there are to be found ignorant teachers … intelligent pupils.”

^Kd.1.35.2 Then these monks told this matter to the Lord. He said: “Is it true, as is said, monks, that ignorant, inexperienced (monks)^[1] are giving guidance, thinking: ‘We are of ten years’ standing, we are of ten years’ standing’?”

“Is it true, Lord.” The enlightened one, the Lord rebuked them; having rebuked them, having given reasoned talk, he addressed the monks, saying: “Monks, one who is ignorant, inexperienced, should not give guidance. Whoever (such) should give it, there is an offence of wrong-doing. I allow you, monks, to give guidance through an experienced, competent monk who is of ten years’ standing or of more than ten years’ standing.”^[2]