Page:Sacred Books of the East - Volume 20.djvu/20

6 'First Dabba should be asked (whether he is willing to undertake the office). When he has been asked, some able and discreet Bhikkhu should lay the resolution before the Samgha, saying,

' " Let the venerable Samgha hear me.

' "If it be convenient to the Samgha, let the Samgha appoint Dabba the Mallian as regulator of lodging-places, and as apportioner of rations.

' "This is the resolution (ñatti).

' "Let the venerable Samgha hear me.

' "The Samgha appoints the venerable Dabba the Mallian as regulator of lodging-places, and as apportioner of rations. Whosoever of the venerable ones agrees that Dabba should be so appointed, let him remain silent; whosoever does not agree, let him speak. The venerable Dabba is appointed by the Samgha as regulator of the lodging-places, and as apportioner of rations. The Samgha approves thereof. Therefore is it silent. Thus do I understand." '

4. And the venerable Dabba the Mallian, being so chosen, appointed one lodging-place in the same place for the Bhikkhus who belonged to the same division. For those Bhikkhus who were repeaters of the Suttantas he appointed a lodging-place together, thinking, 'They will be able to chant over the Suttantas to one another.' For those Bhikkhus who were in charge of the Vinaya he appointed a lodging-place together, thinking, 'They will be able to discuss the Vinaya one with another.' For those Bhikkhus who were preachers of the Dhamma he appointed a lodging-place together, thinking, 'They will be able to talk over the Dhamma one with another.' For those Bhikkhus who were given to