[322] At that time the Buddha, the Blessed One, was dwelling at Sāvatthī, in the Jeta Grove, in Anāthapiṇḍika's park. Now at that time the group-of-six (chabbaggiyā) bhikkhunīs were learning worldly arts (tiracchānavijjā). People criticized, complained, and spread it about: "How can bhikkhunīs learn worldly arts, just like women householders who enjoy sensual pleasures?"
The bhikkhunīs heard those people criticizing, complaining, and spreading it about. Those bhikkhunīs who were of few wishes … criticized, complained, and spread it about: "How can the group-of-six bhikkhunīs learn worldly arts?" …
"Is it true, as they say, bhikkhus, that the group-of-six bhikkhunīs are learning worldly arts?"
"It is true, Blessed One."
The Buddha, the Blessed One, rebuked them: "Bhikkhus, how can the group-of-six bhikkhunīs learn worldly arts? This, bhikkhus, is not for the confidence of those without confidence …
"And thus, bhikkhus, let the bhikkhunīs recite this training rule (sikkhāpada):
"Should any bhikkhunī learn a worldly art, it is an offense entailing expiation (pācittiya)."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.