At one time the Buddha was staying at Sāvatthī in the Jeta Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s Monastery. At that time the monks from the group of six were reopening a legal issue that they knew had been legitimately settled, saying, “The legal procedure hasn’t been done;” “It’s been done badly;” “It should be done again;” “It hasn’t been settled;” “It’s been badly settled;” “It should be settled again.” The monks of few desires complained and criticized them, “How can the monks from the group of six reopen a legal issue that they know has been legitimately settled?” … “Is it true, monks, that you’re doing this?” “It’s true, sir.” The Buddha rebuked them … “Foolish men, how can you do this? This will affect people’s confidence …” … “And, monks, this training rule should be recited like this:

Final ruling ‘If a monk reopens a legal issue that he knows has been legitimately settled, he commits an offense entailing confession.’”

Definitions A: whoever … Monk: … The monk who has been given the full ordination by a unanimous Sangha through a legal procedure consisting of one motion and three announcements that is irreversible and fit to stand—this sort of monk is meant in this case. He knows: he knows by himself or others have told him or the Sangha has told him. Legitimately: done according to the Teaching, according to the Monastic Law, according to the Teacher’s instruction—this is called “legitimately”.