Now on that occasion, the entire Saṅgha in a certain residence had fallen into an offense common to one another on the day of the Invitation. Then the thought occurred to them, “It has been laid down by the Blessed One that an offense common to one another should not be confessed; (the confession of) an offense common to one another should not be received. But this entire Saṅgha has fallen into a common offense. What should we do?”
They reported the matter to the Blessed One.
“Monks, there is the case where the entire Saṅgha in a certain residence has fallen into an offense common to one another on the day of the Invitation.
“Monks, one monk should be sent by the monks to a neighboring residence immediately, (saying,) ‘Go, friend. Make amends for that offense and come back. We will make amends for the offense in your presence.’
“If this can be managed, well and good. If not, then an experienced and competent monk should inform the Saṅgha:
“‘Venerable sirs, may the Saṅgha listen to me. This entire Saṅgha has fallen into an offense common to one another. When it sees another monk — pure, without (that) offense — then it will make amends for that offense in his presence.’ Once that has been said, he/they should invite.[2]
Not from that cause alone should an obstruction to the Uposatha be made.”
“Monks, there is the case where the entire Saṅgha in a certain residence is doubtful about an offense common to one another on the day of the Invitation.
“An experienced and competent monk should inform the Saṅgha:
“‘Venerable sirs, may the Saṅgha listen to me. This entire Saṅgha is doubtful about an offense common to one another. When it becomes free from doubt, then it will make amends for that offense.’ Once that has been said, he/they should invite.
“Not from that cause alone should an obstruction to the Uposatha be made.”
The first recitation section is finished.