Gabbhinīvaggasikkhābada

Vinayapiṭaka · Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga · Vol. 3 · Section 392

[392] At that time the Buddha, the Blessed One, was dwelling at Sāvatthī, in Jeta's Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's monastery. Now at that time the bhikkhunī Thullanandā, having ordained (vuṭṭhāpetvā) a pupil (sahajīvinī), for two years neither assisted her herself nor had her assisted by another. They were foolish and incompetent; they did not know what was allowable (kappiya) or unallowable. Those bhikkhunīs who were of few wishes … criticized, denounced, and spread it about, saying: "How indeed can the lady Thullanandā, having ordained a pupil, for two years neither assist her herself nor have her assisted by another?" … "Is it true, bhikkhus, as is said, that the bhikkhunī Thullanandā, having ordained a pupil, for two years neither assists her herself nor has her assisted by another?" "It is true, Blessed One." The Buddha, the Blessed One, rebuked them: "Bhikkhus, how indeed can the bhikkhunī Thullanandā, having ordained a pupil, for two years neither assist her herself nor have her assisted by another? This, bhikkhus, is not for the confidence of those without confidence … "And thus, bhikkhus, let the bhikkhunīs recite this training rule: "Whatever bhikkhunī, having ordained a pupil, should for two years neither assist her herself nor have her assisted by another, incurs an offense entailing expiation (pācittiya)."

English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.

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