The Discourse about the Great Emancipation

The Sixth Chapter for Recitation
For a second time the Gracious One addressed the monks, (saying): “It
may be, monks, that for one of the monks there is doubt or confusion
about the Buddha, or about the Teaching, or about the Community, or
about the Path, or about the practice. Ask, monks, do not be regretful
later (thinking): ‘The Teacher was face to face with us and we didn't
ask the Gracious One directly about the training.’ ” For a second time
those monks were silent.
For a third time the Gracious One addressed the monks, (saying): “It
may be, monks, that for one of the monks there is doubt or confusion
about the Buddha, or about the Teaching, or about the Community, or
about the Path, or about the practice. Ask, monks, do not be regretful
later (thinking): ‘The Teacher was face to face with us and we didn't
ask the Gracious One directly about the training.’ ” For a third time
those monks were silent.
Then the Gracious One addressed the monks, (saying): “It may be,
monks, that out of respect for the Teacher you do not ask, then one
friend, monks, can inform another friend (about his doubts).” After
this was said those monks were silent.
Then venerable Ānanda said this to the Gracious One: “It is wonderful,
reverend Sir, it is marvellous, reverend Sir, I am confident, reverend
Sir, that in this Community of monks there is not one of the monks in
this Community of monks who has doubt or confusion about the
Buddha, or about the Teaching, or about the Community, or about the
Path, or about the practice.”
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