[358] At that time the Buddha, the Blessed One, was dwelling at Sāvatthī, in the Jeta Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's monastery. Now at that time the bhikkhunīs neither asked about the uposatha nor requested the exhortation (ovāda). The bhikkhus complained, criticized, and spread it about: "How indeed can the bhikkhunīs neither ask about the uposatha nor request the exhortation?" …
"Is it true, bhikkhus, as is said, that the bhikkhunīs neither ask about the uposatha nor request the exhortation?"
"It is true, Blessed One."
The Buddha, the Blessed One, rebuked them: "How indeed, bhikkhus, can the bhikkhunīs neither ask about the uposatha nor request the exhortation? This, bhikkhus, is not for the arousing of confidence in those without confidence … And thus, bhikkhus, let the bhikkhunīs recite this training rule:
[114. 9.] 'And every half-month two dhammas are to be expected by a bhikkhunī from the Saṅgha of bhikkhus: the asking about the uposatha and the approaching for the exhortation. For her who lets that pass, there is an offense entailing expiation (pācittiya).'"
[End of the account of the several bhikkhunīs.]
[Analysis of the training rule.]
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.