[444] At that time the Buddha, the Blessed One, was dwelling at Sāvatthī, in Jeta's Grove, the park of Anāthapiṇḍika. Now at that time the bhikkhunīs of the group of six carried sunshades and wore sandals (chattupāhanaṃ dhārenti). People complained, criticized, and spread it about: "How can bhikkhunīs carry sunshades and wear sandals, just like women householders who enjoy sensual pleasures?"
The bhikkhunīs heard those people complaining, criticizing, and spreading it about. Those bhikkhunīs who were of few wishes … complained, criticized, and spread it about: "How can the bhikkhunīs of the group of six carry sunshades and wear sandals?" …
"Is it true, as they say, bhikkhus, that the bhikkhunīs of the group of six carry sunshades and wear sandals?"
"It is true, Blessed One."
The Buddha, the Blessed One, rebuked them: "Bhikkhus, how can the bhikkhunīs of the group of six carry sunshades and wear sandals? 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 use a sunshade and sandals, it entails a pācittiya."
And thus was this training rule laid down by the Blessed One for the bhikkhunīs.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.