The Discourse about the Great Emancipation

The First Chapter for Recitation
Gotama, we shall go, as we have many duties, and there is much which
ought to be done.”
“Now is the time, brahmin, for whatever you are thinking.” 15 Then the
Magadhan chief minister the brahmin Vassakāra, after greatly
rejoicing and gladly receiving this word of the Gracious One, rose
from his seat and departed.
[3: Seven Things which
Prevent Decline in the Community (1-7)]
Then the Gracious One, not long after the Magadhan chief minister,
the brahmin Vassakāra, had gone, addressed venerable Ānanda,
(saying): “Go, Ānanda, and whatever monks there are living in
dependence on Rājagaha, 16 assemble them in the Attendance Hall.”
“Very well, reverend Sir,” said venerable Ānanda, and after replying
to the Gracious One, and assembling whatever monks there were living
in dependence on Rājagaha in the Attendance Hall, he approached the
Gracious One, and after approaching and worshipping the Gracious
One, he stood on one side.
15 This is a polite way of giving permission to leave.
16 Living in dependence is an idiom which means subsisting on alms food (in
the city).
15