[442] At that time the Buddha, the Blessed One, was dwelling at Sāvatthī, in Jeta's Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's park. Now at that time a certain bhikkhu was walking for alms along a certain street in Sāvatthī. A certain bhikkhunī was also walking for alms along that street. Then that bhikkhu said this to that bhikkhunī: "Go, sister; alms are being given in such-and-such a place." She too said: "Go, noble sir; alms are being given in such-and-such a place." Through seeing each other frequently, they became acquainted.
Now at that time robe-cloth belonging to the Saṅgha was being distributed. Then that bhikkhunī, having gone for the exhortation, approached that bhikkhu; having approached and paid homage to that bhikkhu, she stood to one side. As she stood to one side, that bhikkhu said this to that bhikkhunī: "Sister, this is my share of robe-cloth; will you accept it?" "Yes, noble sir, for my robe is worn out." Then that bhikkhu gave the robe-cloth to that bhikkhunī. But that bhikkhu himself was one whose robe was worn out. The bhikkhus said this to that bhikkhu: "Friend, make your robe now." Then that bhikkhu reported this matter to the bhikkhus. Those bhikkhus who were of few wishes … they took offence, criticised, and spread it about, saying: "How can a bhikkhu give robe-cloth to a bhikkhunī?" … "Is it true, as they say, bhikkhu, that you gave robe-cloth to a bhikkhunī?" "It is true, Blessed One." "Is she a relative of yours, bhikkhu, or not a relative?" "Not a relative, Blessed One." "One who is not a relative, foolish man (moghapurisa), does not know, with regard to a woman who is not a relative, what is proper or improper, what is present or lacking. How can you, foolish man, give robe-cloth to a bhikkhunī who is not a relative? This, foolish man, is not for the arousing of confidence in those without confidence … And thus, bhikkhus, you should recite this training rule (sikkhāpada):
"Whatever bhikkhu should give robe-cloth to a bhikkhunī who is not a relative, there is an offence of pācittiya."
And thus this training rule was laid down by the Blessed One for the bhikkhus.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.