[122] At that time the Buddha, the Blessed One, was dwelling at Sāvatthī, in Jeta's Grove, in Anāthapiṇḍika's park. Now at that time lay followers (upāsakā), having collected a voluntary contribution (chandaka) for the sake of robe-cloth for the Saṅgha of bhikkhunīs, deposited the fund (parikkhāra) at the house of a certain cloth-merchant, and having approached the bhikkhunīs, said this: "Noble ladies, a fund for the sake of robe-cloth has been deposited at the house of such-and-such a cloth-merchant; have robe-cloth brought from there and distribute it."
But the bhikkhunīs, having themselves asked for that very fund, had medicine purchased in exchange with it and used it.
The lay followers, coming to know of it, complained, criticized, and spread it about: "How can the bhikkhunīs have one thing exchanged with a fund intended for another purpose, designated for another purpose, belonging to the Saṅgha, personally asked for?"
The bhikkhunīs heard those lay followers complaining, criticizing, and spreading it about. Those bhikkhunīs who were of few wishes … complained, criticized, and spread it about: "How can the bhikkhunīs have one thing exchanged with a fund intended for another purpose, designated for another purpose, belonging to the Saṅgha, personally asked for?" …
"Is it true, bhikkhus, as is said, that the bhikkhunīs have one thing exchanged with a fund intended for another purpose, designated for another purpose, belonging to the Saṅgha, personally asked for?"
"It is true, Blessed One."
The Buddha, the Blessed One, rebuked them: "How, bhikkhus, can the bhikkhunīs have one thing exchanged with a fund intended for another purpose, designated for another purpose, belonging to the Saṅgha, personally asked for? This, bhikkhus, is not for the arousing of confidence in those without confidence …
"And thus, bhikkhus, let the bhikkhunīs recite this training rule:
"Should any bhikkhunī have one thing exchanged with a fund intended for another purpose, designated for another purpose, belonging to the Saṅgha, personally asked for, it entails relinquishment and confession (nissaggiya pācittiya)."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.