acquired when I was seven years old. I have gained everything that a learner can reach to. There is nothing further left for me to do, nothing to gather up of the fruit of that which I have done. What service is it possible for me to render to the Samgha?' And it occurred to the venerable Dabba the Mallian: 'It would be a good thing for me to regulate the lodging-places for the Sawgha, and to apportion the rations of food.'
2. And when, at eventide, the venerable Dabba the Mallian had arisen from his meditations, he went to the place where the Blessed One was; and when he had come there he saluted the Blessed One, and took his seat on one side; and when he was so seated the venerable Dabba the Mallian spake thus to the Blessed One:
'When I had retired, Lord, into solitude and was sunk in thought, the following consideration presented itself to my mind (&c, as before, down to) It would be a good thing for me to regulate the lodging-places for the Samgha, and to apportion the rations of food. I desire, Lord, [so to do].'
'Very good, Dabba. Do you then regulate the lodging-places for the Sawgha, and apportion the rations of food!'
It is well, Lord,' said the venerable Dabba the Mallian, accepting the word of the Blessed One.
3. And the Blessed One on that occasion and in that connection, when he had delivered a religious discourse, addressed the Bhikkhus, and said: 'Let then the Samgha, O Bhikkhus, appoint Dabba the Mallian as the regulator of lodging-places, and as the apportioner of rations. And thus, O Bhikkhus, should the appointment be made.
