[426] At that time the Buddha, the Blessed One, was dwelling at Sāvatthī, in Jeta's Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's park. 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, lady, will follow me for two years, then I will ordain you," neither ordained her nor made any effort for her ordination. Then that probationer reported this matter to the bhikkhunīs.
Those bhikkhunīs who were of few wishes … they complained, criticized, and spread it about: "How indeed can the lady Thullanandā, having said to a probationer, 'If you, lady, will follow me for two years, then I will ordain you,' neither ordain her nor make any effort for her ordination?" …
"Is it true, as they say, bhikkhus, that the bhikkhunī Thullanandā, having said to a probationer, 'If you, lady, will follow me for two years, then I will ordain you,' neither ordains her nor makes any effort for her ordination?"
"It is true, Blessed One."
The Buddha, the Blessed One, rebuked them: "How indeed, bhikkhus, can the bhikkhunī Thullanandā, having said to a probationer, 'If you, lady, will follow me for two years, then I will ordain you,' neither ordain her nor make any effort for her ordination? This, bhikkhus, is not for the arousing of confidence in those without confidence …
"And thus, bhikkhus, let the bhikkhunīs recite this training rule:
"Should any bhikkhunī, having said to a probationer, 'If you, lady, will follow me for two years, then I will ordain you,' afterwards — she being without obstacle — neither ordain her nor make any effort for her ordination, there is an offence entailing expiation (pācittiya)."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.