(Mv.II.15.9) Now on that occasion some Group-of-six monks, being unauthorized, explained the Vinaya in the midst of the Saṅgha. They reported the matter to the Blessed One.

“One who is unauthorized should not explain the Vinaya in the midst of the Saṅgha.

“I allow that one who is authorized explain the Vinaya in the midst of the Saṅgha.”

“And, monks, he should be authorized like this:

“One should authorize oneself or one (monk) should authorize another.

(Mv.II.15.10) “And how should one authorize oneself?

“An experienced and competent monk should inform the Saṅgha:

“‘Venerable sirs, may the Saṅgha listen to me. If the Saṅgha is ready, having been asked by so-and-so about the Vinaya, I would explain.’

“In this way one should authorize oneself.

“And how should one (monk) authorize another?

“An experienced and competent monk should inform the Saṅgha:

“‘Venerable sirs, may the Saṅgha listen to me. If the Saṅgha is ready, so-and-so, having been asked by so-and-so about the Vinaya, would explain.’

“In this way one (monk) should authorize another.”

(Mv.II.15.11) Now on that occasion well-behaved monks, being authorized, explained the Vinaya in the midst of the Saṅgha. Some Group-of-six monks became angered and unreasonable, and threatened them with a beating. They reported the matter to the Blessed One.

“Monks, I allow that one who is authorized explain the Vinaya in the midst of the Saṅgha after having looked over the assembly and having assessed the individuals.”