A certain lay follower saw that monk walking for alms in Kīṭāgiri. He approached him, bowed, and said, “Venerable, have you received any almsfood?” “No, I haven’t.” “Come, let’s go to my house.”

He took that monk to his house and gave him a meal. He then said, “Where are you going, venerable?” “I’m going to Sāvatthī to see the Buddha.” “Well then, would you please pay respect at the Buddha’s feet in my name and say, ‘Sir, the monastery at Kīṭāgiri has been corrupted. The bad and shameless monks Assaji and Punabbasuka are staying there. And they’re misbehaving in many ways. They plant flowering trees, water them … And they misbehave in a variety of ways. Those who previously had faith and confidence have now lost it, and there’s no longer any support for the Sangha. The good monks have left and the bad monks are staying on. Sir, please send monks to stay at the monastery at Kīṭāgiri.’”