(Mv.IV.6.1) [232] Now on that occasion a certain monk had fallen into an offense on the day of the Invitation(2). The thought occurred to him, “It has been laid down by the Blessed One that one with an offense should not invite. But I have fallen into an offense. What should I do?”

They reported the matter to the Blessed One.

“Monks, there is the case where a monk has fallen into an offense on the day of the Invitation.

“Having approached one monks, having arranged his upper robe over one shoulder, the monk should sit in the kneeling position with his hands placed palm-to-palm over the heart and say, ‘Friend, I have fallen into such-and-such offense. I confess it.’

“He should be asked, ‘Do you see it?’

“‘Yes, I see it.’

“‘You should restrain yourself in the future.’”

“Monks, there is the case where a monk is doubtful (about whether or not he has fallen into an offense) on the day of the Invitation.

“Having approached one monks, having arranged his upper robe over one shoulder, the monk should sit in the kneeling position with his hands placed palm-to-palm over the heart and say,

‘Friend, I am in doubt about such-and-such offense. When I become free from doubt, then I will make amends for the offense. Once that has been said, they should invite.

Not from that cause alone should an obstruction to the Invitation be made.”