The Buddha then addressed Sāriputta: “Well then, Sāriputta, make that announcement about Devadatta in Rājagaha.” “In the past, sir, I have praised Devadatta in Rājagaha, saying, ‘Godhiputta is powerful and mighty.’ How, then, can I now make this announcement about him?” “Didn’t you praise him truthfully when you said that?” “I did.” “In the same way, you should make this announcement truthfully.” “Yes, sir.”

The Buddha then addressed the monks: “Well then, the Sangha should appoint Sāriputta to make that announcement about Devadatta in Rājagaha. And he should be appointed like this. First Sāriputta should be asked, and then a competent and capable monk should inform the Sangha: ‘Please, venerables, I ask the Sangha to listen. If the Sangha is ready, it should appoint Venerable Sāriputta to make an announcement about Devadatta in Rājagaha—“Devadatta’s character has changed. Whatever Devadatta does by body or speech has nothing to do with the Buddha, the Teaching, or the Sangha, but only with Devadatta.” This is the motion.