[395] At that time the Buddha, the Blessed One, was dwelling at Sāvatthī, in the Jetavana, Anāthapiṇḍika's park. Now at that time bhikkhunīs did not follow, for two years, the sponsor (pavattinī) who had ordained them. They were foolish, incompetent, not knowing what was allowable (kappiya) or not allowable.
Those bhikkhunīs who were of few wishes … criticized, denounced, and spread it about, saying: "How can bhikkhunīs not follow for two years the pavattinī who ordained them?" …
"Is it true, bhikkhus, as is said, that bhikkhunīs do not follow for two years the pavattinī who ordained them?"
"It is true, Blessed One."
The Buddha, the Blessed One, rebuked them: "How, bhikkhus, can bhikkhunīs not follow for two years the pavattinī who ordained them? 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 not follow for two years the pavattinī who ordained her, there is an offense of pācittiya."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.