Mahavagga, Khandaka 8, Chapter 5

1. At that time people went to the Ārāma with robes^[1] (which they intended to present to the Bhikkhus). They found there no Bhikkhu who was to receive the robes; so they took them back again. (In consequence of that) few robes were given (to the Bhikkhus).

They told this thing to the Blessed One.

I prescribe, O Bhikkhus, that you appoint a Bhikkhu possessed of the following five qualities, to receive the robes (presented to the Bhikkhus): (a person) who does not go in the evil course of lust, in the evil course of hatred, in the evil course of delusion, in the evil course of fear, and who knows what has been received and what has not.

2. 'And you ought, O Bhikkhus, to appoint (such a Bhikkhu) in this way: First, that Bhikkhu must be asked (to accept that commission). When he has been asked, let a learned, competent Bhikkhu proclaim the following ñatti before the Saṃgha: "Let the Saṃgha, reverend Sirs, hear me. If the Saṃgha is ready, let the Saṃgha appoint the Bhikkhu N. N: to receive the robes (presented to the Bhikkhus). This is the ñatti. Let the Saṃgha, reverend Sirs, hear me. The Saṃgha appoints the Bhikkhu N. N. to receive the robes (presented). Let any one of the venerable brethren who is in favour of our appointing the Bhikkhu N. N. to receive the robes (presented), be silent, and any one who is not in favour of it, speak. The Bhikkhu N. N. has been appointed by the Saṃgha to receive the robes (presented). The Saṃgha is in favour of it, therefore are you silent; thus I understand."'

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

It will be as well to remind the reader that here and in the following chapters cīvara can mean both 'a robe' and 'cloth for making robes.'