[301] At that time the Buddha, the Blessed One, was dwelling at Sāvatthī, in the Jeta Grove, in Anāthapiṇḍika's monastery. Now at that time the bhikkhunīs of the group of six were spinning yarn. People wandering on a tour of the dwellings, having seen them, complained, criticized, and spread it about, saying: "How can bhikkhunīs spin yarn, 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, saying: "How can the bhikkhunīs of the group of six spin yarn?" …
"Is it true, as they say, bhikkhus, that the bhikkhunīs of the group of six are spinning yarn?"
"It is true, Blessed One."
The Buddha, the Blessed One, rebuked them: "Bhikkhus, how can the bhikkhunīs of the group of six spin yarn? Bhikkhus, this does not conduce to the confidence of those without confidence …
"And thus, bhikkhus, let the bhikkhunīs recite this training rule (sikkhāpada):
"Should any bhikkhunī spin yarn, there is an offense entailing expiation (pācittiya)."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.