[772] At that time the Buddha, the Blessed One, was dwelling at Sāvatthī, in Jeta's Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's monastery. Now at that time the rains-bathing cloth (vassikasāṭikā) had been allowed by the Blessed One for bhikkhus. The group-of-six bhikkhus, [thinking,] "The rains-bathing cloth has been allowed by the Blessed One," wore rains-bathing cloths without measure, and went about dragging them in front and behind.
Those bhikkhus who were of few wishes … criticized, complained, and spread it about: "How can the group-of-six bhikkhus wear rains-bathing cloths without measure?" …
"Is it true, bhikkhus, as they say, that you wear rains-bathing cloths without measure?"
"It is true, Blessed One."
The Buddha, the Blessed One, rebuked them: "How can you, foolish men, wear rains-bathing cloths without measure? This, foolish men, is neither for the confidence of those without confidence, nor for the increase of those with confidence …
"And thus, bhikkhus, you should recite this training rule: 'When a bhikkhu is having a rains-bathing cloth made, it is to be made to measure. This is the measure here: in length, six spans of the Sugata-span; in breadth, two and a half. For one exceeding that, there is a pācittiya involving cutting down.'"
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.