[261] At that time the Buddha, the Blessed One, was dwelling at Sāvatthī, in Jeta's Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's monastery. Now at that time two bhikkhunīs lay down together sharing a single sheet and covering.¹ People wandering on a tour of the dwellings, seeing this, complained, criticized, and spread it about: "How can two bhikkhunīs lie down together sharing a single sheet and covering, just like householder women who enjoy sensual pleasures?"
The bhikkhunīs heard those people complaining, criticizing, and spreading it about. Those bhikkhunīs who were of few wishes … complained, criticized, and spread it about: "How can two bhikkhunīs lie down together sharing a single sheet and covering?" …
"Is it true, bhikkhus, as is said, that two bhikkhunīs lie down together sharing a single sheet and covering?"
"It is true, Blessed One."
The Buddha, the Blessed One, rebuked them: "How, bhikkhus, can two bhikkhunīs lie down together sharing a single sheet and covering? This, bhikkhus, does not conduce to the confidence of those without confidence … And thus, bhikkhus, let the bhikkhunīs recite this training rule (sikkhāpada):
"Should any bhikkhunīs, two together, lie down sharing a single sheet and covering, there is an offense of pācittiya."
¹ Variant (M., Yu. editions): *ekattharaṇapāvuraṇā*.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.