(Mv.II.9.1) [159] Now at that time in a certain residence, an excessively small Uposatha hall had been authorized. On the day of the Uposatha a large saṅgha of monks gathered. Monks heard the Pāṭimokkha while sitting on unauthorized ground. Then the thought occurred to them, “It has been laid down by the Blessed One that the Uposatha be done after having authorized an Uposatha hall. But we heard the Pāṭimokkha while sitting on unauthorized ground.

“Has our Uposatha been done or not?”

They reported the matter to the Blessed One.

“Monks, when sitting in a place, regardless of whether it has been authorized, where one hears the Pāṭimokkha, one’s Uposatha has been done.”

(Mv.II.9.2) “In this case, monks, let the Saṅgha authorize an area in front of the Uposatha (hall) of whatever size it desires.

“And, monks, It should be authorized like this:

“First, boundary markers should be determined. When the boundary markers have been determined, an experienced and competent monk should inform the Saṅgha:

“‘Venerable sirs, may the Saṅgha listen to me. If the Saṅgha is ready, then — as far as those markers that have been determined all around — it should authorize within those markers an area in front of the Uposatha (hall).

“‘This is the motion.

“‘Venerable sirs, may the Saṅgha listen to me. As far as those markers that have been determined all around, the Saṅgha is authorizing within those markers an area in front of the Uposatha (hall).

“‘He to whom the authorization of an area in front of the Uposatha (hall) within those markers is agreeable should remain silent. He to whom it is not agreeable should speak.

“‘The area in front of the Uposatha (hall) within those markers has been authorized by the Saṅgha.

“‘This is agreeable to the Saṅgha, therefore it is silent.

“‘Thus do I hold it.’”

(Mv.II.10.1) [160] Now on that occasion, in a certain monastery on the day of the Uposatha, new monks, having assembled first, (thinking,) “As long as the senior monks aren’t coming ...” left. The Uposatha was delayed. They reported the matter to the Blessed One.

“Monks, I allow that, on the Uposatha day, the senior monks gather first.”[2]

(Mv.II.11.1) [161] Now at that time in Rājagaha, several residences had a common territory. The monks there quarreled, “May the Uposatha be done at our residence!” “May the Uposatha be done at our residence!”

They reported the matter to the Blessed One.

“Monks, there is the case where several residences have a common territory.

“The monks there quarrel, “May the Uposatha be done at our residence! May the Uposatha be done at our residence!”

“All the monks should gather in a single place and hold the Uposatha.

“Or, having gathered where the most senior monk is staying, they should hold the Uposatha there.[3]

“But the Uposatha should not be held by a faction of the Saṅgha. Whoever should do so: an offense of wrong doing.”