[352] At that time the Buddha, the Blessed One, was dwelling at Sāvatthī, in the Jeta Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's park. Now at that time several bhikkhunīs, having completed the rains residence (vassaṃ vuṭṭhā) in a village dwelling, went to Sāvatthī. The bhikkhunīs said this to those bhikkhunīs: "Where did the ladies spend the rains? Has the invitation (pavāraṇā) been made to the Saṅgha of bhikkhus?"
"Ladies, we did not make the invitation to the Saṅgha of bhikkhus."
Those bhikkhunīs who were of few wishes … criticized, denounced, and spread it about: "How indeed can bhikkhunīs, having completed the rains residence, not make the invitation to the Saṅgha of bhikkhus?" …
"Is it true, bhikkhus, as is said, that bhikkhunīs, having completed the rains residence, do not make the invitation to the Saṅgha of bhikkhus?"
"It is true, Blessed One."
The Buddha, the Blessed One, rebuked them: "How indeed, bhikkhus, can bhikkhunīs, having completed the rains residence, not make the invitation to the Saṅgha of bhikkhus? This, bhikkhus, is not for the confidence of those without confidence …
"And thus, bhikkhus, let the bhikkhunīs recite this training rule (sikkhāpada):
"'Whatever bhikkhunī, having completed the rains residence, should not make the invitation before both Saṅghas (ubhatosaṅghe) on three grounds — with regard to what has been seen, or heard, or suspected — there is an offense entailing expiation (pācittiya).'"
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.