[298] At that time the Buddha, the Blessed One, was dwelling at Sāvatthī, in Jeta's Grove, in Anāthapiṇḍika's monastery. Now at that time bhikkhunīs (bhikkhunī) were using both a high couch (āsandi) and a luxurious divan (pallaṅka). People, wandering about on a tour of the dwellings, saw this and complained, criticized, and spread it about: "How can bhikkhunīs use a high couch and a luxurious divan, just like women householders who enjoy sensual pleasures?"
Bhikkhunīs heard those people complaining, criticizing, and spreading it about. Those bhikkhunīs who were of few wishes … they complained, criticized, and spread it about: "How can bhikkhunīs use a high couch and a luxurious divan …?" …
"Is it true, as they say, bhikkhus, that bhikkhunīs are using both a high couch and a luxurious divan?"
"It is true, Blessed One."
The Buddha, the Blessed One, rebuked them: "Bhikkhus, how can bhikkhunīs use a high couch and a luxurious divan? Bhikkhus, this does not conduce to the confidence of those without confidence …
"And thus, bhikkhus, let the bhikkhunīs recite this training rule (sikkhāpada):
"Whatever bhikkhunī should use a high couch or a luxurious divan, this entails an offense of pācittiya."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.