On the observance day soon afterwards, Devadatta got up from his seat and distributed ballots, saying, “We have gone to the ascetic Gotama and asked for five things: ‘In many ways, sir, you praise fewness of wishes, contentment, self-effacement, ascetic practices, being inspiring, the reduction in things, and being energetic. And there are five things that lead to just that: It would be good, sir, if the monks stayed in the wilderness for life, and whoever stayed near inhabited areas would commit an offense; if they were alms-collectors for life, and whoever accepted an invitation would commit an offense; if they were rag-robe wearers for life, and whoever accepted robe-cloth from a householder would commit an offense; if they dwelt at the foot of a tree for life, and whoever took shelter would commit an offense; if they didn’t eat fish or meat for life, and whoever did would commit an offense.’