[283] At that time the Buddha, the Blessed One, was dwelling at Sāvatthī, in the Jeta Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's monastery. Now at that time [bhikkhunīs]¹ walked on tour within the country, in a region agreed to be risky and dangerous, without a caravan. Rogues assaulted them.
Those bhikkhunīs who were of few wishes … criticized, denounced, and complained: "How can bhikkhunīs walk on tour within the country, in a region agreed to be risky and dangerous, without a caravan?" …
"Is it true, as they say, bhikkhus, that bhikkhunīs walk on tour within the country, in a region agreed to be risky and dangerous, without a caravan?"
"It is true, Blessed One."
The Buddha, the Blessed One, rebuked them: "Bhikkhus, how can bhikkhunīs walk on tour within the country, in a region agreed to be risky and dangerous, without a caravan? This, bhikkhus, is not for the confidence of those without confidence …
"And thus, bhikkhus, let the bhikkhunīs recite this training rule (sikkhāpada): 'Whatever bhikkhunī should walk on tour within the country, in a region agreed to be risky and dangerous, without a caravan, there is an offense of pācittiya.'"
¹ [Siam ed. footnote:] In the Burmese and European editions, "bhikkhuniyo" appears at this point.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.