[249] At that time the Buddha, the Blessed One, was dwelling at Sāvatthī, in the Jeta Grove, in the monastery of Anāthapiṇḍika. Now at that time a supporting family of the bhikkhunī (bhikkhunī) Thullanandā said this to the bhikkhunī Thullanandā: "Noble lady, if we are able, we will give robe-cloth (cīvara) to the Saṅgha of bhikkhunīs." Now at that time the bhikkhunīs, having completed the rains residence, had assembled, wishing to distribute robe-cloth. The bhikkhunī Thullanandā said this to those bhikkhunīs: "Wait, noble ladies; there is an expectation of robe-cloth for the Saṅgha of bhikkhunīs." The bhikkhunīs said this to the bhikkhunī Thullanandā: "Go, noble lady, and find out about that robe-cloth." The bhikkhunī Thullanandā approached that family, and having approached, said this to those people: "Friends, give robe-cloth to the Saṅgha of bhikkhunīs." "Noble lady, we are not able to give robe-cloth to the Saṅgha of bhikkhunīs." The bhikkhunī Thullanandā informed the bhikkhunīs of this matter. Those bhikkhunīs who were of few wishes … criticized, denounced, and complained: "How indeed can the noble lady Thullanandā let the robe-season (cīvarakālasamaya) pass on account of an uncertain expectation of robe-cloth?" …
"Is it true, bhikkhus, as they say, that the bhikkhunī Thullanandā lets the robe-season pass on account of an uncertain expectation of robe-cloth?"
"It is true, Blessed One."
The Buddha, the Blessed One, rebuked them: "How indeed, bhikkhus, could the bhikkhunī Thullanandā let the robe-season pass on account of an uncertain expectation of robe-cloth? This, bhikkhus, does not conduce to the confidence of those without confidence … And thus, bhikkhus, let the bhikkhunīs recite this training rule:
"Whatever bhikkhunī should let the robe-season pass on account of an uncertain expectation of robe-cloth, there is an offense of pācittiya."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.