[413] At that time the Buddha, the Blessed One, was dwelling at Sāvatthī, in Jeta's Grove, in Anāthapiṇḍika's monastery. Now at that time bhikkhunīs of less than twelve years' standing were giving ordination (vuṭṭhāpenti). They were foolish and incompetent; they did not know what was allowable (kappiya) or unallowable. Their co-resident pupils (saddhivihārinī), too, were foolish and incompetent; they did not know what was allowable or unallowable.
Those bhikkhunīs who were of few wishes … criticized, denounced, and spread it about, saying: "How can bhikkhunīs of less than twelve years' standing give ordination?" …
"Is it true, as they say, bhikkhus, that bhikkhunīs of less than twelve years' standing are giving ordination?"
"It is true, Blessed One."
The Buddha, the Blessed One, rebuked them: "Bhikkhus, how can bhikkhunīs of less than twelve years' standing give ordination? This, bhikkhus, does not conduce to the confidence of those without confidence …
"And thus, bhikkhus, let the bhikkhunīs recite this training rule (sikkhāpada):
"Whatever bhikkhunī of less than twelve years' standing should give ordination, there is an offense of pācittiya."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.