[423] At that time the Buddha, the Blessed One, was dwelling at Sāvatthī, in the Jeta Grove, in Anāthapiṇḍika's monastery. Now at that time a certain probationer (sikkhamānā) approached the bhikkhunī Thullanandā and asked for full ordination (upasampadā). The bhikkhunī Thullanandā, having said to that probationer, "If you, noble lady, will give me a robe, then in that case I shall sponsor your ordination (vuṭṭhāpessāmi)," neither ordained her nor made any effort for her ordination. Then that probationer informed the bhikkhunīs of this matter.
Those bhikkhunīs who were of few wishes … they criticized, denounced, and spread it about: "How indeed can the noble lady Thullanandā, having said to a probationer, 'If you, noble lady, will give me a robe, then in that case I shall sponsor your ordination,' neither ordain her nor make any effort for her ordination?" …
"Is it true, bhikkhus, as is said, that the bhikkhunī Thullanandā, having said to a probationer, 'If you, noble lady, will give me a robe, then in that case I shall sponsor your ordination,' neither ordains her nor makes any effort for her ordination?"
"It is true, Blessed One."
The Buddha, the Blessed One, rebuked them: "How, bhikkhus, can the bhikkhunī Thullanandā, having said to a probationer, 'If you, noble lady, will give me a robe, then in that case I shall sponsor your ordination,' neither ordain her nor make any effort for her ordination? This, bhikkhus, is not for the arousing of confidence in those who are without confidence … And thus, bhikkhus, let the bhikkhunīs recite this training rule (sikkhāpada):
"Whatever bhikkhunī, having said to a probationer, 'If you, noble lady, will give me a robe, then in that case I shall sponsor your ordination,' should afterwards—she herself being without obstacle (anantarāyikinī)—neither ordain her nor make any effort for her ordination, incurs a pācittiya."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.