[110] At that time the Buddha, the Blessed One, was dwelling at Sāvatthī, in the Jeta Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's park. Now on that occasion the bhikkhunī Thullanandā was sick. Then a certain lay follower approached the bhikkhunī Thullanandā; having approached, he said this to the bhikkhunī Thullanandā: "What ails you, noble lady? What may be brought for you?"
"Friend, I have need of ghee."
Then that lay follower, having brought ghee worth one kahāpaṇa from the house of a certain shopkeeper, gave it to the bhikkhunī Thullanandā. The bhikkhunī Thullanandā said this: "Friend, I have no need of ghee; I have need of oil."
Then that lay follower approached that shopkeeper; having approached, he said this to that shopkeeper: "It seems, sir, the noble lady has no need of ghee; she has need of oil. Here, take back your ghee; give me oil."
"If, sir, we take back goods once sold, when will our goods ever be sold? The ghee was taken for the price of ghee; bring the price of oil, and you may take the oil."
Then that lay follower complained, criticized, and spread it about: "How indeed can the noble lady Thullanandā, having asked for one thing, ask for another?"
The bhikkhunīs heard that lay follower complaining, criticizing, and spreading it about. Those bhikkhunīs who were of few wishes … complained, criticized, and spread it about: "How indeed can the noble lady Thullanandā, having asked for one thing, ask for another?" Then those bhikkhunīs reported this matter to the bhikkhus. The bhikkhus reported this matter to the Blessed One. …
"Is it true, bhikkhus, as is said, that the bhikkhunī Thullanandā, having asked for one thing, asks for another?"
"It is true, Blessed One."
The Buddha, the Blessed One, rebuked her: "How indeed, bhikkhus, can the bhikkhunī Thullanandā, having asked for one thing, ask for another? This, bhikkhus, is not for the confidence of those without confidence … And thus, bhikkhus, let the bhikkhunīs recite this training rule:
"Should any bhikkhunī, having asked for one thing, ask for another, it is an offense entailing relinquishment with confession (nissaggiya pācittiya)."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.