[165] At that time the Buddha, the Blessed One, was dwelling at Sāvatthī, in the Jetavana, Anāthapiṇḍika's park. Now at that time bhikkhus who had completed the rains-residence were dwelling in forest lodgings. Thieves of the month of Kattika, thinking, "The bhikkhus have received gains," waylaid them. They reported this matter to the Blessed One. Then the Blessed One, on that account, in that connection, having given a Dhamma talk, addressed the bhikkhus: "Bhikkhus, I allow one dwelling in forest lodgings to keep any one of the three robes in an inhabited area (antaraghara)."
Now at that time the bhikkhus, [knowing] "the Blessed One has allowed one dwelling in forest lodgings to keep any one of the three robes in an inhabited area," kept one of the three robes in an inhabited area and stayed apart from it for more than six nights. Those robes were lost, were destroyed, were burnt, and were eaten by rats. The bhikkhus became poorly clad, wearing shabby robes. Bhikkhus said thus: "Why is it, friends, that you are poorly clad, wearing shabby robes?" Then those bhikkhus reported this matter to the bhikkhus. Those bhikkhus who were of few wishes … they criticized, deplored, and complained: "How can bhikkhus keep any one of the three robes in an inhabited area and stay apart from it for more than six nights?" Then those bhikkhus reported this matter to the Blessed One.
"Is it true, as they say, bhikkhus, that bhikkhus keep any one of the three robes in an inhabited area and stay apart from it for more than six nights?"
"It is true, Blessed One."
The Buddha, the Blessed One, rebuked them: "How, bhikkhus, can those foolish men keep any one of the three robes in an inhabited area and stay apart from it for more than six nights? This, bhikkhus, is not for the confidence of those without confidence, nor for the increase of those who have confidence … And thus, bhikkhus, you should recite this training rule (sikkhāpada):
"When a bhikkhu has completed the rains-residence, up to the Kattika full moon: as to those forest lodgings that are considered risky and dangerous—a bhikkhu dwelling in such lodgings may, if he wishes, keep any one of his three robes in an inhabited area. And should there be any reason for that bhikkhu to stay apart from that robe, that bhikkhu may stay apart from that robe for six nights at most. Should he stay apart longer than that, except with the agreement of the bhikkhus (bhikkhusammuti), it is an offence of expiation entailing forfeiture (nissaggiya pācittiya)."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.