Upananda then went to that man and said, “Is it true that you want to give me robe-cloth?” “Yes, that’s just what I was thinking.” “If that’s the case, give me such-and-such robe-cloth. For what’s the point of giving robe-cloth that I won’t use?” That man complained and criticized him, “These Sakyan monastics have great desires. They’re not content. It’s no easy matter to give them robe-cloth. How could Venerable Upananda come to me and say what kind of robe-cloth he wants without first being invited by me to do so?” The monks heard the complaints of that man, and the monks of few desires complained and criticized him, “How could Venerable Upananda go to a householder and say what kind of robe-cloth he wants without first being invited to do so?” After rebuking him in many ways, they told the Buddha. Soon afterwards he had the Sangha gathered and questioned Upananda: “Is it true, Upananda, that you did this?” “It’s true, sir.” “Is he a relative of yours?” “No.” “Foolish man, people who are unrelated don’t know what’s appropriate and inappropriate, what’s good and bad, in dealing with each other. And still you did this. This will affect people’s confidence …” … “And, monks, this training rule should be recited like this:

Final ruling