The story of when it was crowded

^Kd.1.53.1 Now at that time^[1] the Lord spent the rains just there, in Rājagaha, the cold weather there, the hot weather there. People … spread it about, saying: “The district is crowded up, confused with recluses, sons of the Sakyans; because of them the district is not to be seen.” Monks, heard these people who … spread it about. Then these monks told this matter to the Lord.

^Kd.1.53.2 Then the Lord addressed the venerable Ānanda, saying: “Go, Ānanda, and taking a key, ^Vin.1.80 announce to the monks in every cell: “Your reverences, the Lord wishes to set out on tour for Dakkhiṇāgiri. Whatever venerable one needs (to do so), let him come.”

“Yes, Lord,” and the venerable Ānanda, having answered the Lord in assent, taking the key, announced to the monks in every cell: “Your reverences, the Lord wishes to set out on tour for Dakkhiṇāgiri. Whatever venerable one needs (to do so), let him come.”

^Kd.1.53.3 Monks spoke thus: “Reverend Ānanda, it is laid down by the Lord (that one is) to live ten years in dependence, and when one is of ten years’ standing (he is) to give guidance.^[2] If we go there then guidance must be chosen^[3] (there), but the ^BD.4.101 stop (there) may be short; then we must come back again and guidance must be chosen again. If our teachers and preceptors are going, we too will go; but if our teachers and preceptors are not going, then we will not go. Reverend Ānanda, we shall (otherwise) look feather-brained.”^[4]

^Kd.1.53.4 Then the Lord set out on tour for Dakkhiṇāgiri with an Order of monks numbering less than a group.^[5]